Concussion is an issue that affects all sports and it is important that everyone in rugby recognises the symptoms of concussion and removes from playing or training any player with clear or suspected symptoms.
Player welfare is the No1 priority for the IRB. This is not something we say lightly but rather a strategy that informs and guides every aspect of what we do. Without healthy players who are confident they are playing a safe sport, rugby would not experience the success and global growth that it currently enjoys.
As the governing body, the IRB applauds the significant role that the media is playing in raising awareness of concussion and the need for all involved in rugby to take this important area seriously. However, we also would like to provide reassurance that concussion is at the top of our player welfare agenda.
While there are risks associated with any sport - and rugby is no different - we want to reassure players, parents and fans that we are working hard with our national unions, including the New Zealand Rugby Union, to educate players at all levels of the game regarding the symptoms and dangers of concussion.
It is true that concussion is an emotive issue and that in very rare and sad cases it can be fatal, but it is important that Herald readers understand how, collectively, we are tackling the issue.