Rugby League steal Union thunder by extending Return to Play protocol
This article is written by Progressive Rugby
Rugby League chiefs have opted to accept a recommendation from medical experts to extend the length of time a concussed player is stood down.
The move means any players who fail a concussion test during matches or training will not be permitted to play in another match for a minimum of 11 days – up from the previous period of 7 days.
In addition, sentencing guidelines for on-field foul play in the 2022 season have also been amended, with a further stiffening of sentences for striking, headbutting, kicking and late hits – all with the intention of providing further disincentive to dangerous play, and further protection to all players.
Meanwhile, World Rugby, who maintain it wants to be ‘the most progressive sport on player welfare’, resists pleas from Progressive Rugby to amend the Graduated Return to Play (GRTP) protocol to a minimum of 12 days, instead leaving in place a six-stage protocol that can, and does, see players return to play the following weekend.
For all their efforts, which include the welcome introduction of independent concussion consultants and contact training guidelines, the continued insistence on an evidence-based approach to their decision making, means their ambition as player welfare champions is undeniably diluted.
The truth is that there is no ‘categorical’ evidence that concussion or repeated head knocks increase the risk of early onset dementia or chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), but there are numerous studies from respected institutions, such as the Drake Foundation, that demonstrate a causal link is almost a foregone conclusion.
Furthermore, respected names including New Zealand Rugby chief scientist Ken Quarrie and eminent brain health specialist Prof Willie Stewart, who interestingly advises World Rugby, have made no secret they believe the protocol should be nearer two weeks - categorical evidence or not.
It’s also worth noting it’s now been 12 months since the Australian Football League (AFL) took the decision to extend their concussion from six days to 12 days.
It’s speculation, but you would assume that the RFL have accepted the balance of probabilities stack up and that, despite (like union) facing legal action from former players, they are going to proactively ensure clubs have to take a cautious approach.
A spokesperson for Progressive Rugby said: “We applaud the RFL for addressing the game’s graduated return to play protocol and sending a strong message that playing a contact sport within a week of suffering a concussion is no longer acceptable.
“To World Rugby, we re-iterate our call for an initial amendment to the GRTP so that players are stood down for a minimum period of 12 days and hope that the RFL’s decision may provide the impetus to do so.”