French surgeon warns on rugby head injuries

A neuro-surgeon has warned that rugby has to take 鈥渄rastic鈥� action to reduce head injuries after the deaths of two players in France.

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Published Wednesday 29 August 2018 - 15:00 Modified Wednesday 29 August 2018 - 15:00

Prof Jean Chazal said that the force involved in tackles and 鈥榟its鈥� in the game had now reached dangerous levels and rugby authorities had to act or more players would die from traumatic brain injuries.

He was speaking after a 21-year-old player died in the changing room during a pre-season game at Aurillac and a 17-year-old player died in bed at home in May after a game in Billom, Puy-de-D么me.

Calling it a 鈥渃ombat sport,鈥� he said rugby had to change or a player would die on the pitch.