Former England captain Chris Robshaw calls out MLR concussion protocols
This article was written by Progressive Rugby
Former England captain Chris Robshaw has publicly aired his dissatisfaction with concussion protocols in the USA’s Major League Rugby (MLR) competition.
Ex-Harlequin backrower Robshaw, who played 66 times for England, including 43 as captain, made the comments on twitter in response to a post from Progressive Rugby who had called for him and fellow professionals in the burgeoning league to sow good practice amongst players.
PR follower Brian Murphy rightly stated that MLR commissioners, USA Rugby and World Rugby were the ones who needed to accept responsibility for player welfare and remained astounded that the Head Injury Assessment (HIA) protocol had not been adopted by the league yet.
Robshaw, who joined San Diego Legion earlier this year, replied: “You’re dead right, this seriously needs to be addressed before the 2022 season starts by @usmlr @GeorgeKillebrew. Have seen it first-hand over there and the concussion protocols are nowhere near where they need to be for player welfare. Let’s hope things change before next year.”
Major League Rugby responded: “We hear you, @ChrisRobshaw. MLR currently uses established and approved World Rugby protocols to manage concussions. Recognizing that more can always be done, MLR began a concussion protocol task force during the 2021 season, that included two player representatives.
“This task force, along with the MLR Medical Committee, are currently analyzing all possible procedures to ensure player safety is at the highest possible level.”