World Rugby updates protocols for highly criticised innovation
Scotland hooker George Turner is forced off the field due to injury.
World Rugby have announced that they have temporarily updated its protocols regarding smart mouthguards after encountering initial difficulties with the new technology aimed at detecting concussion in players.
The new smart mouthguards, which were introduced in the Six Nations and Super Rugby Pacific after World Rugby mandated them across elite tournaments from the beginning of this year, are designed to better protect players against concussion.
Bluetooth technology sends data to the sideline
Built-in bluetooth technology is being used to measure the G-force of every head impact and transmit data to the sideline, where matchday doctors can better identify players who require head injury assessments (HIAs).
However, there have been problems with the delay between incidents taking place and an alert signal reaching the doctors at pitchside during matches.
After this year’s Super Rugby Pacific opener between the Crusaders and Chiefs in Hamilton, the Christchurch-based outfit’s captain Scott Barrett admitted that he was not a fan of the new mouthguards, branding them “a step too far” and calling it “frustrating for a player” when they are being dragged from a game and then there’s uncertainty over the reasons for making the substitution.
All Blacks star’s surprise admission over rugby’s new technology
Scotland boss Gregor Townsend also raised concerns after he lost George Turner (hooker) and Zander Fagerson (prop) in separate Six Nations Tests for HIAs triggered by the new technology, only for both players to be deemed fit enough to return to action.
“I think we have to really watch what we’re doing here by trusting technology that’s not been proven,” he said after his side’s Calcutta Cup triumph over England on February 24.
New protocols introduced this weekend
Under the new protocols, which come into effect from this weekend, doctors will be able to check players on the field to establish whether they need to go off for an immediate HIA.
If they do not, the player will instead undergo their HIA at half-time or full-time depending on when the alert happens.
READ MORE: World Rugby issues response after Gregor Townsend’s criticism of ‘unproven’ technology