England hooker Jamie George asserts that rugby union has significantly transformed its stance on concussion throughout his career as a professional player.
World Rugby, the Rugby Football Union, and the Welsh Rugby Union are facing lawsuits from numerous former players who allege they have developed neurological disorders due to head injuries incurred during play.
Concussion is the focus of a new BBC documentary titled ‘Ben Youngs Investigates: How Safe Is Rugby?’. Youngs, who holds the record for the most caps for England, concludes that the sport “is in an even safer place than I thought, but with more work to do.”
George, who debuted for Saracens in 2009 and earned his first England cap six years later, expresses “every faith” in the current management of head injuries.
“It is night and day. If you asked me now, I would say we are very well looked after,” stated the British and Irish Lions front row.
“We have the best protocols in place with a brilliant understanding, and I have every confidence in the medical teams we collaborate with that we are being cared for to the best of our ability and their capability.
“In hindsight, I don’t necessarily think that has always been the case. At the time, you might feel it is acceptable, but a significant change has been the players’ attitude and our comprehension of the significance of concussion.
– Six Nations talking points: England at a crossroads, Ireland are back
– Six Nations trophy to be replaced after suffering fire damage
“When I was progressing through the system, if I experienced a head injury, I felt pressured to get up and demonstrate toughness and the need to continue.
“Now, our awareness of the repercussions of such actions is considerably improved.
“In the professional arena, you see the advanced mouthguards, the independent HIA doctor present on game day, and you realize that such behavior would not be tolerated anymore, which is precisely how it should be.”
A notable incident took place during last summer’s British and Irish Lions tour to Australia when Garry Ringrose self-reported concussion symptoms prior to the second Test, resulting in his withdrawal from the starting lineup.
“Garry is one of the finest individuals I know and one of the best players I have had the privilege to play alongside,” George remarked.
“He hasn’t participated in a Lions Test — shockingly in my view — but his decision to do that reflects the level of professionalism in the game and demonstrates a great deal of character. However, that does not surprise me coming from someone like Garry.”
