Leeds Beckett University, on behalf of the RFL, will host an ‘open discussion’ of concussion in Rugby League next Wednesday (2 August, 6:30pm-8pm) at the Carnegie School of Sport Building in Headingley.

Chaired by broadcaster Tanya Arnold and involving players, coaches and researchers, the event will explore preliminary data gathered from the recent Academy-level law trials, which seeks to quantify head impact and acceleration exposures in the sport with the aim of increasing understanding and reducing future risk.

The event will involve open discussion among interest parties from across Rugby League and is open to members of the public and media, who can register online to attend either in-person or virtually.    

Two law modifications have been trialled over four rounds of this summer’s Academy competition this summer, as part of the three-year research project across Rugby League led by Leeds Beckett University. During the trials, which conclude on 30 July, the legal tackle height has been reduced to below the armpit at initial contact, with penalties resulting from contact on the head and neck at any point. In addition, kick-offs have been taken from 10 metres further forward – on the opposition’s 40-metre line, rather than the halfway line at present – to reduce the impact of ensuing collisions.

Leeds Beckett University have also recently completed a study to further understand contact training requirements for Rugby League, and are undertaking an intervention with coaches and players to reduce head collisions in Women's Super League.

Professor Ben Jones of Leeds Beckett University, who is also the RFL’s Strategic Lead for Performance, Science and Research, says:

“Over the last five years the RFL and Leeds Beckett University have been undertaking numerous studies to quantify concussion in Rugby League and how this can inform potential prevention strategies.

“Given the progression in our understanding relating to concussion and repeated sub-concussion exposure, alongside further understanding of the mechanisms and causes of concussion, we have been trialling new laws, informed by wider stakeholders to reduce risks of concussion and head contact. 

“It is important in any trial that we maintain the core aspects of Rugby League and that we consider the views of all stakeholders involved in the game.”

This summer’s Academy trials were approved by the RFL’s Clinical Advisory Group and subsequently by the RFL Board, and followed by more in-depth engagement about the trials with clubs, match officials, players, coaches and parents. The impact of the trials will be evaluated through the following months, allowing a recommendation to be made to the RFL Board about the possible implementation of the law modifications more widely across the sport.