Here's your round-up of all the latest rugby headlines for Monday, May 2.
Kay warns rugby 'may not be here in 50 years'
Ben Kay says concerns over brain injuries may stop parents allowing their kids to take up rugby, adding that it could end up threatening the very existence of the game.
The ex-England star is one of 50 former elite rugby players between the ages of 40 and 59 to take part in PREVENT:RFC, a landmark study aimed at assessing whether they are at a greater risk of early signs of dementia. According to the Daily Mail, Wales legend Shane Williams is another former player taking part.
Brain injury is, Kay argues, the biggest issue currently facing the game. Indeed, he believes it could even threaten the very existence of the game. "It is without doubt the biggest concern that rugby faces," he said. "If mums and dads don’t think our game is as safe as it can be, they won’t let their little boys and girls go and start playing. Rugby will start to suffer and potentially might not be here in 50 years time."
READ MORE: Who won the key Wales battles and what Pivac learned in game of weekend
Bern keen for further professionalism of women's game
England star Sarah Bern says embracing further professionalism in the women's game will help protect protect players' mental health.
The Red Roses became the only fully professional side to compete in 2019's Women's Six Nations, although Wales have handed since handed out a number full-time deals to players. Even so, England clearly remain ahead of their rivals, having cruised to their fourth straight title at the weekend.
"Things need to change - not just for the rugby but for the girls' own mental health," Bern said after England won the Grand Slam on Sunday. "I would absolutely love it if everything was even. I have a lot of friends who play for Wales, Scotland and Ireland. It is really hard work.
"The Premiership is demanding more of our players and international is demanding so much of our players. Playing a game like this then having to work tomorrow - I really feel for them. I'm always there to fight for their corner because I think everyone should have equal opportunity."
North opens up on 'tough' 12 months
It's been a while, but Wales fans will have been delighted to see George North back in action over the weekend. The 30-year-old came off the bench for the Ospreys during the first half of their clash with the Scarlets over the weekend. It was his first taste of competitive action since April 2021, having previously been sidelined with a knee injury.
Taking to social media after his return, North wrote: "Hello rugby my old friend!"
"12 long months and finally back out there with the lads. It’s been a tough old road with some real testing times. Yesterdays result made all the hours of rehab and graft worth it. Little bit rusty but that’s 12 months out for you.
"A huge thanks to Ospreys for their support. There are two guys who I owe a lot of thanks to, far more then they’ll ever know. Math and Liam you have been awesome and thanks for holding my hand the whole way. But I’m a peacock, and you gotta let me fly.
"To Becky James and my whole family a massive thanks for supporting me this last year. I know it’s been tough on you too. It was amazing to finally have my two boys there to see what I actually do. Massive thanks to everyone for their kind messages."
Defeat puts pressure on Ryan
The Dragons became the only team to lose to Zebre at the weekend and it has turned the heat right up on director of rugby Dean Ryan.
Local newspaper South Wales Argus did not hold back in their assessment of the region's recent failings, with Ryan's contract due to expire this summer and little by way of confirmation of what happens next.
The man at the top has often bemoaned the lack of resource at his disposal but it's an excuse which appears to be wearing thin.
Argus sports writer Chris Kirwan wrote: "Dean Ryan is still moaning about depth yet not one player in that squad has been inherited.
"The director of rugby either signed them or re-signed them. A moan about depth is effectively a grumble about his own judgement or an inability to help a player get better.
"The Dragons may have had a number of high-profile absentees but this was still a team of regulars, not a side flung together from Welsh club rugby.
"Ryan has grumbled for months about the lack of depth beneath his first-choice XV yet the spotlight must also go on him and his management team.
"The director of rugby has more coaching resources available than the Dragons have ever had before... When it was Darren Edwards, Lyn Jones, Kingsley Jones and Bernard Jackman at the helm, there were consequences for seasons like this."
Kirwan concluded: "The workman can’t blame his tools when he’s kept them in his box."
