The introduction of smart mouthguards in elite male rugby has sparked concerns regarding their implementation, as indicated by Scotland boss Gregor Townsend. Townsend expressed his apprehension after encountering the loss of a player for the second consecutive Six Nations Test due to a head injury assessment triggered by the new technology.
Townsend’s concerns are underpinned by the impact that these mouthguards have had on the Scottish team. Hooker George Turner and tighthead prop Zander Fagerson were both withdrawn from recent Six Nations matches for head injury assessments as a result of alerts generated by the mouthguards. Despite being deemed fit to return, these incidents have ignited discussions about the reliability of the technology.
At a press conference following the Calcutta Cup victory over England, Townsend conveyed his worries about placing undue trust in unproven technology. He emphasized the necessity of relying on established methods for identifying head injuries, rather than solely relying on the alerts generated by the smart mouthguards.
The Scotland boss also questioned the swift implementation of the new technology in top-level rugby, underscoring the importance of ensuring its accuracy. He suggested that additional work and assessment are required to address the current concerns and refine the technology for future use in the sport.
Rugby enthusiasts and medical professionals have also joined the debate, with some expressing sentiments akin to those of Townsend and advocating for a more cautious approach to the adoption of smart mouthguards in the sport. The spotlight on this issue reflects the increasing importance of player safety in rugby, as the sport endeavours to mitigate the risks associated with head injuries.
As conversations surrounding smart mouthguards evolve, it becomes evident that a nuanced approach is necessary to address the concerns raised by key stakeholders. With the welfare of players at the forefront, thorough evaluation and refinement of the technology will be crucial in shaping its role in the future of rugby.