In Super Rugby Pacific, players are required to wear smart mouthguards to help detect potential head injuries, but a temporary rule adjustment has been made after technical issues arose during the season-opening matches last week.
These intelligent mouthguards, known as iMGs, are mandatory for both training and matches this season. They are designed to alert medical staff when a player experiences a significant head knock, prompting them to undergo a concussion test.
During the previous matches, some players seemed confused when asked to leave the field for a Head Injury Assessment (HIA) after their mouthguards triggered an alert. Super Rugby Pacific addressed this issue on Friday, stating that there were problems with the data transfer process.
As a result, for this weekend’s games, players will still wear the iMGs but will not need to immediately exit the field for an HIA when the alert is activated. Instead, an on-field doctor will assess the player after the alert, and if any concerns are raised, the player will then undergo the concussion test.
Concussion awareness and player safety have become primary concerns in rugby union due to the potential long-term effects of repeated head injuries. World Rugby and other governing bodies are currently facing legal challenges from former players alleging brain injuries.
Similar smart mouthguards are also being utilized by players in the Six Nations championship held in Europe, showcasing a global effort to enhance player welfare.
World Rugby plans to conduct further trials during the third round of Super Rugby Pacific to address and improve the data-transfer process, aiming to reinstate the iMG alert protocols once the technical issues are fully resolved.
The safety of players is paramount for World Rugby, SANZAAR, and the Super Rugby Pacific competition. All parties acknowledge the importance of iMG technology in advancing the sport while prioritizing player well-being.
(Reporting by Nick Mulvenney, editing by Lincoln Feast)
