World Rugby is stepping up its efforts to prioritize player welfare by integrating smart mouthguard technology into the Head Injury Assessment (HIA) process. This innovative approach will provide real-time alerts to independent pitch-side doctors, alerting them if a player has experienced a high level of acceleration that could lead to an injury. The use of smart mouthguards will be introduced in the elite women’s competition WXV from October, with plans to integrate them into the HIA from January 2024.
As part of its ongoing commitment to player welfare, World Rugby is investing €2 million in smart mouthguard technology. These mouthguards, supplied by Prevent Biometrics, will work in real time to send alerts of high forces to the independent matchday doctor. This groundbreaking technology will allow players who have experienced a high acceleration event, but have not shown symptoms or been captured by broadcast cameras, to be promptly assessed and potentially removed from the game.
To ensure the effectiveness of the new technology, elite rugby players will be required to wear smart mouthguards during both training and matches. This will enable coaches to tailor drills, tackle skills, and training load to each individual player, enhancing their performance and overall well-being.
The integration of smart mouthguard technology is just one of the recommendations made by World Rugby’s independent Concussion Working Group. Following presentations from leading experts in the field, including Professor Ann McKee and Dr Chris Nowinski from Boston University, as well as Prof Grant Iverson from Harvard Medical School, World Rugby’s Executive Board has approved several changes to further prioritize player welfare.
One of the key recommendations is for players at all levels of the sport to wear mouthguards. Research in ice hockey has shown that mouthguards not only protect against dental injuries but also reduce the risk of concussion by 20 percent. Additionally, World Rugby has extended the return-to-play guidelines for community rugby, requiring players to sit out for a minimum of 21 days after a concussion.
World Rugby’s updated position on long-term neurodegenerative disease and repeated head impacts acknowledges the importance of addressing not only concussions but also the forces exerted on the head that may not cause immediate symptoms.
By embracing smart mouthguard technology and implementing these recommendations, World Rugby is demonstrating its unwavering commitment to player welfare. The organization’s Chief Medical Officer, Dr Eanna Falvey, emphasized the importance of reducing the forces players experience on their heads at all levels of the game. He stated, ‘The advances in smart mouthguard technology mean elite players will be better cared for than ever before. We are taking smart mouthguards out of the realm of medical research and putting them into the world of everyday performance management to continue to manage player welfare in the best way possible.’
World Rugby’s Chief Executive, Alan Gilpin, highlighted the organization’s dedication to constantly evolving and prioritizing player welfare. He stated, ‘With our latest report suggesting that rugby players lead healthier, happier lives, and participation in rugby up 11 percent worldwide since 2022, people can choose to play rugby knowing that they stand to enjoy all the benefits of this amazing game while being as safe as they possibly can be.’
In conclusion, World Rugby’s integration of smart mouthguard technology marks a significant milestone in player safety. By leveraging cutting-edge innovation and expert recommendations, World Rugby is ensuring that players are better protected and supported throughout their rugby journey.