NZ Rugby Senior Scientist: ‘‘RTP should be ‘at least’ two weeks’’
By Progressive Rugby
Dr Ken Quarrie, New Zealand Rugby’s Senior Scientist, and a member of World Rugby Advisory Groups has indicated he feels the current return to play protocols are insufficient in line with Progressive Rugby’s assertion that the return to play protocol is not fit for purpose.
Responding on social media to Progressive Rugby’s Doug King who questioned the current protocol which allows players to return in six days, Dr Quarrie stated:
“If it was up to me players who have been concussed would not be able to return to play for *at least* a couple of weeks (preferably longer).
“Because there is evidence that symptom recovery precedes physiological recovery, I would endorse a longer no-play period than currently permitted. AFL have increased the time already, and I think professional rugby would be well-advised to follow suit,” Dr Quarrie tweeted.
In the following days fellow academics including Professor Patricia Hume stood behind Dr Quarrie, with Prof Hume tweeting: “I endorse @KenQuarrie approach in evaluating the evidence and questioning current practice. We need more scientists being strong enough to speak up.”
Associate Professor Karen Hind from Durham University added: “Fully endorse this @KenQuarrie and @dougleague.Local U16 rugby union player sustained a concussion on Sunday. He is (and was instructed) to take 4 weeks off. This needs to be mandated across the board for all levels, grassroots to elite.”
A Progressive Rugby spokesperson said: “For Dr Quarrie to publicly state that he, as a key advisor to World Rugby, believes the return to play protocol following concussion should be at least 2 weeks and preferably longer is a game changer. It further strengthens Progressive Rugby’s position that the current protocol allowing players back on the field in 6 days cannot be justified and a 12 day minimum should be immediately adopted.
‘We need more scientists being strong enough to speak up.’
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