Super Rugby has implemented temporary changes to its concussion protocol involving 'smart' mouthguard technology. The new protocol, announced following the opening round of matches, states that players will no longer be required to immediately leave the field for a Head Injury Assessment (HIA) if an alert is triggered by the mouthguard. Instead, players will now be checked by an on-field doctor who will decide if a HIA is necessary. This adjustment comes after feedback from players and concerns over the mouthguards' efficacy and the impact of even minor modifications to their design. Fraser Brown, a professional player, expressed reservations about wearing the 'smart gumshields', citing concerns over how slight changes in size and shape could influence concussion risks. The decision to alter the protocol also raised questions, given that World Rugby has been testing these mouthguards for 8 years.
Super Rugby Pacific has advised temporary changes to the Instrumented Mouthguard (iMG) process after some technical issues during last weekend’s opening round of matches. https://t.co/u0jYLlaGxc
Super Rugby announced temporary changes to its "smart" mouthguard technology Friday, with players no longer required to immediately leave the field for a concussion test if an alert is triggered. https://t.co/LROg835vTr
Think it's definitely worth listening to player feedback when testing the viability of these mouthguards. However, changing the protocol after only 1 week of Super Rugby also seems mad to me when World Rugby have apparently been testing these mouthguards for 8 years beforehand. https://t.co/DJWiIM2aVp
Change to the Instrumented Mouthguard protocols for Round 2 of Super Rugby. Rather than players coming straight off for HIA when there's been a trigger alert, the players will be checked by an on-field doctor after the alert. If doctor has any concerns, player goes for HIA.
This is really interesting from Fraser Brown. Speaking about the new ‘smart gumshields’, why he wouldn’t wear one and how minute changes in size and shape to mouthguards can help or hinder chances of concussion. https://t.co/PbuSrqwBXU