The repercussions of heavy hits in rugby have been widely acknowledged, it's fair to say.
But is the rugby community reacting efficiently to startling trends?
The severity of impacts on the head has provided us with startling evidence, especially regarding young people playing the game. But have we been able to remedy the serious injuries trickling into the game at underage level?
This prompted RTÉ Prime Time to broadcast an in-depth report on the physical impact of the game on young people.
Although speaking to various parents and youngsters affected by concussion, the programme's content received mixed reviews on social media.
Tonight on Prime Time @ RTÉ One 9.35pm#RTEPT pic.twitter.com/7aRUhmy2tJ
— RTÉ Prime Time (@RTE_PrimeTime) May 23, 2019
Some believe the investigation portrayed the sport in a negative light.
Others, conversely, believe it's a topic that needs to be covered more often amidst all the existential dangers.
Very good #rtept on risks of serious head injuries in sport. Mostly #rugby, with some tragic injuries and fatalities. Underreported over the years in sport journalism. Know the risks, whatever the sport.
— Mwuirish 2Mask🤣Nonce🇮🇪🇺🇦🇪🇺#StandWithUkraine (@MuirisOConchuir) May 23, 2019
The increasing size of teenagers playing the game, it was argued, has led to more serious head injuries. Furthermore, this has led to a number of young deaths relating to on-the-pitch incidents.
Should we be classing teen rugby by weight rather than age? They do this in NZ #rtept
— Dr Nina Byrnes (@DrNinaByrnes) May 23, 2019
Others believe extremely drastic action is needed in order for young people to remain protected.
As someone who has no interest in rugby, but who knows someone who is now in a wheelchair from a rugby injury, I'd ban or curtail it until aged 18 #rtept
— Eoin Kelleher (@eoinyk) May 23, 2019
But not everyone was convinced by the reportage.
Some social media users argued that participation in team sports should be encouraged. And such reports, they believe, amounts to fear-mongering.
World rugby are doing so much to manage concussions. It’s a contact sport and it’s taking the correct steps! There’s as many bad injuries in GAA ffs! We should be encouraging children to play more sport, not scaremongering parents, which is all this is!! #RTEPT
— Ben L (@purplebenny) May 23, 2019
The spotlight should also be placed on other sports, it was suggested. With concussion a theme across a vast range of sports, some felt rugby shoulders too much of the burden when it comes to coverage of the issue.
Not trying to deflect attention here, but have Primetime done similar programmes on other contact sports, such as GAA? Genuine question. #rtept #Concussion #RecogniseAndRemove
— Cian Ormond🇪🇺🇮🇪🇺🇦 (@cianormo88) May 23, 2019
Then, with all the negative coverage, could rugby be reduced to a non-contact sport? If so, should other sports follow?
Let’s get rid of all contact sport and see where that leaves us.... #RTEPT pic.twitter.com/v3TJCLK869
— Donall O'Brien (@donallobrien) May 23, 2019
