The WRU aims to increase understanding and provide information on concussion and other related topics, including how to prevent and manage suspected concussions.
These guidelines are to assist all players, coaches, referees, administrators and family members to understand the importance of recognising and properly managing players with concussion.
Concussion is a brain injury
All concussions are serious
Concussion can often occur without loss of consciousness
Players with any signs or symptoms of concussion must be immediately removed from playing or training
Players must not return to play on the same day of any suspected concussion
It is recommended that all players with concussion should be referred to a medical practitioner or NHS 111
It is recommended that all players undertake a Graduated Return to Play programme
It is recommended that players should not return to full contact sport until cleared by a medical practitioner
Most concussions will recover with physical and mental rest
Concussion can occur without an obvious blow to the head
Recognise and Remove players with suspected concussion to prevent further injury or in rare cases, even fatality
In the event of a suspected concussion, please use the handy easy read resource below.
The WRU Graduated Return to Play (GRTP) guides the player through the rehabilitation stages following a concussion or suspected concussion.
There are suggested activities in each stage which may be used to gradually increase the amount, intensity and/or type of exercise that the player does in order to ensure a safe and successful return to sport.
The following video outlines how support and guidance offered to clubs regarding concussion awareness have a listen to the real-life experiences of players in the community.
In April 2023, The Government published its first UK-wide Concussion Guidelines for Grassroots Sport which will help players, coaches, parents, and schools.
The guidelines deliver on a government commitment to establish a single set of shared, UK-wide concussion guidelines for the immediate management of concussion followed by the gradual return to activity. For the first time, the guidelines provide a consistent approach across all sports, and all home nations, informed by the best available evidence.
The WRU Community team are pleased to have secured a collaboration with The University of South Wales media and broadcasting degree course. This opportunity has enabled the creation of new resource material to support our clubs.