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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Sport
Gerard Meagher

Concussion rates in elite rugby hit highest levels since records began

Jack Nowell of England takes on Edoardo Padovani of Italy in the 2022 Six Nations.
Jack Nowell of England takes on Edoardo Padovani of Italy in the 2022 Six Nations. Nowell later failed a head injury assessment. Photograph: Dan Mullan/The RFU Collection/Getty Images

Concussion rates in elite English rugby have hit their highest levels since records began, according to the latest injury audit with the Rugby Football Union rolling out its “smart” mouth‑guard programme in an effort to combat the rise.

The audit of the 2020-21 season, published on Tuesday by the RFU in conjunction with Premiership Rugby and the Rugby Players’ Association, showed that for the 10th season running concussion was the most reported injury, accounting for 28% of injuries.

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