All adult rugby games in the 14 largest provincial unions, including the Baywide premier competition, will be showing a blue card for concussion this season, in a move by New Zealand Rugby (NZR) to further enhance player welfare.
The Blue Card Concussion initiative means referees can issue a blue card to a player suspected of receiving an on-field concussion during a game.
After receiving a blue card, the player must leave the field of play and can't return until they have completed a series of mandatory steps, including a three-week stand down from training and playing.
NZR's head of community rugby Brent Anderson said player welfare was paramount, and the extension of the Blue Card Concussion Initiative sent a clear message about the importance of looking after players.
"The referee has no vested interest in keeping a player with a suspected head knock on the field. Referees will be trained to recognise the signs of suspected concussion.