Rugby Head Injuries Targeted By U.K. Lawmakers

Rugby is one the United Kingdom's most popular sports. Ever since the traditional college sport turned professional back in the 90s, more and more people have taken an interest in it. However, there's a dark side that many spectators seem to overlook: the rising number of concussions and other head injuries.

Whether it's baseball, softball, soccer, football, hockey or rugby, concussions occur in all sports. What makes rugby stand out from the rest is the rate of high at which they occur. When compared to other sports, rugby players are significantly more likely to develop a concussion or head injury.

There are a couple of reasons for the increased rate of concussions, one of which is the lack of helmets. All football players and even the batter in baseball games are required to wear helmets; thus, reducing the risk of concussion. Unfortunately, there's no such regulation in rugby, leaving players vulnerable to head injury. Combined with the fact that most officials and sponsors turn a blind eye to the problem, it's clear to see just how damaging head injuries are.

Earlier this month, a previous Rugby player sued South Dublin school after suffering a serious head injury during the end of a match. According to reports, another player's knee jabbed the student in his head, causing him to blackout from a concussion. After doctors examined the young player, they noticed "acute bleeding" inside his skull, at which point they were required to operate on him.

British lawmakers are now taking notice of the growing number of head injuries in rugby. The House of Lords held a meeting to discuss the problem last Thursday. While some ideas on how to protect players from head injuries were tossed around, noting concrete came from the meetings. The House of Lords is expected to meet again next week to further discuss the issue of head injuries.

"If we overreact, we get rid of the benefits of sport, but if we don’t react at all, we will continue to have these tragedies," said Lord Addington, who is captain of the parliamentary rugby team. 

The problem of head injuries in rugby is similar to the situation involving the NFL. However, the NFL has made numerous changes to the game, along with training officials, to help reduce the chance of head injury among players.

Do you believe head injuries are a problem that needs addressing in the sport of rugby? Let us know in the comments section below!