23-05-2025
Essex University study reveals rugby players brains 'remain altered' after concussion
BRAIN imaging technology has shown rugby players are still affected by concussions even after they are allowed to return to the field of play.
A new study carried out by Essex University tracked an amateur club through a 22-game season using brain imaging technology and found seven out of eight concussed players still had abnormal brain responses 25 days after injury.
This was despite them feeling well enough to return to the field under Rugby Football Union clearance protocols.
Leading researcher Dr Ben Jones, who worked with Colchester Rugby Club and wearable tech company PhysiGo, used functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) to study brain activity.
He said: "This study shows that the current protocols are limited and may not be enough on their own for effective concussion recovery."
Dr Ben Jones interviews a player about their concussion history (Image: Essex University)
The study monitored eight concussions across 41 players, nearly all of whom showed brain activity changes that did not return to normal before the end of the return to play protocol.
Dr Jones, a former England 7's international, has called for current guidelines to be revised to improve player safety.
He said: "Our research suggests more individualised approaches utilising personalised concussions monitoring using tools like fNIRS could improve player safety.
"Rugby has given me so much and this research is not about ruining the game for the millions of players worldwide.
"This research should ensure the long-term safety of the grassroots players – who are rugby's lifeblood."
His thoughts were echoed by PhysiGo's Dr Jay Perrett, who added: "The study shows that the community game needs cost-effective solutions for players and clubs to measure concussive and rotational force (whiplash) events and assist in the monitoring of their recovery."
A player is tackled in training in Colchester (Image: Essex University)
The paper, published in Sports Medicine-Open, involved 67 participants - 41 rugby players and 26 non-players.
Dr Jones hopes brain imaging could be incorporated into concussion protocols to help protect players.
Colchester Rugby Club is continuing to work with Dr Jones and his team, with the study being expanded to the women's team.
Club chairman, Karl O'Brien, said: "The lessons learnt are something that the club and the club's medical team have benefitted from and will continue to do so over the coming seasons."
