The Rugby World Cup is now approaching the quarter-final stage. But as fans revel in the hard hits and physical exchanges, a documentary on RTE last night reminded us of the potentially fatal dangers associated with one of the most common injuries in the sport - concussion.
Rugby has already witnessed two high profile retirements this year in the form of Welsh flanker Jonathan Thomas and Leinster's Kevin McLaughlin both succumbing to concussion. Meanwhile, Welsh full-back Liam Williams was forced to withdraw from their recent 28-25 victory over England after receiving a kick to head.
The RTE project Hidden Impact explores the dangers of concussion with a number of high profile players including the retired Ronana O'Gara who admitted to playing a full game while concussed during the 2003 World Cup.
The response from viewers indicated fear and intrigue while also highlighting a sense of urgency among the public to continue highlighting this traumatic injury.
Interesting doc on concussion on @rte now. 1 in 5 injuries in Ulster schools rugby was for concussion last year. 33 of them were severe.
— Darren Frehill (@Darrenfrehill) October 5, 2015
@rte #HiddenImpact gave a scary insight into the effects of concussion ? real eye opener.
— Isaac Carroll (@Aiske92) October 6, 2015
Tough watching that hidden impact programme on @rte #HiddenImpact #concussion
— Stephen Pyke (@StephenPyke) October 5, 2015
When @rte get it right, they get it right! #HiddenImpact might just open everyone's eyes to the dangers of concussion and stop the madness
— Michael Verney (@mlverney) October 5, 2015
This concussion programme on rte is very interesting #rugby
— Derval O'Rourke (@DervalORourke) October 5, 2015
Great doc on RTE One about concussion in rugby. Well done to all
— Shane Stapleton (@ShaneSaint) October 5, 2015
RTE's #HiddenImpact documentary features Trinity's research projects into #concussion @RTEsport @IrishRugby http://t.co/zW2bNCAKbe
— TrinityCollegeDublin (@tcddublin) October 6, 2015
