• Webinar to take place on 3rd December at 1200 GMT
  • Speakers include World Rugby Science and Medical Manager Dr Lindsay Starling and World Rugby Consultant Dr Ross Tucker 
  • Discussion topics to include the different ways in which women experience concussion compared to men

The latest in the World Rugby Women’s Health webinar series will focus on the issue of concussion in women’s rugby.  The webinar, which is free to attend will take place on 3 December at 12pm GMT.

Scientific literature widely suggests that women may be more susceptible to concussion than men and that they experience symptoms in different ways. Reassuringly, evidence suggests that women in rugby are at no greater risk of concussion than men.

The webinar, led by Dr Lindsay Starling and Dr Ross Tucker will focus on key topics including:

  • Concussion in the women’s game compared with the men’s game — a clear, simple overview of the similarities and differences.
  • Myth-busting — addressing some common beliefs around concussion in women’s rugby; for example, the perception that women are primarily concussed through head contact with the ground.
  • Useful resources and practical next steps —Participants will get guidance on where to find relevant return-to-play guidance, concussion-management courses for parents and other helpful resources.

Anyone interesting in attending online can register for free by clicking here.

The concussion webinar is the latest in a series of Women’s Health webinars, where previous topics included knee injuries, breast protection and keeping younger women in the sport.  Those webinars can be viewed anytime online for free here.

Reducing concussion and minimizing exposure to head knocks of all kinds has been a long standing World Rugby policy which has led to a lower tackle height being introduced in community rugby earlier this year and smart mouthguards in the elite game.

World Rugby Science and Medical Manager Dr Lindsay Starling who will lead the webinar said “Concussion remains a concerning issue for players and parents but it is at the heart of world rugby player welfare efforts. We know that women experience concussion differently to men and it is important to recognise the differences as well as being aware of best practice in the unlikely event someone does get this type of injury.

“Player welfare is at the heart of everything that World Rugby does and we’ll never stand still in this vital area of work.”