National Rugby League Head of Football Todd Greenberg "will consult all 16 NRL club chief medical officers this week as part of a review of the concussion procedure," according to Michael Chammas of the SYDNEY MORNING HERALD. Concussions and the process involved with examining players who have suffered head knocks in games "have come under scrutiny in the opening month of the season." It has forced the NRL "to undertake a review of the process, with Greenberg organising a phone hook-up with each of the club's chief medical officers for this week." The NRL "wants to implement some clarity around the rules, likely to crack down on certain physical indicators to determine whether a player is able to return to the field." In its current format, players "are allowed to return to the field after completing a SCAT test and receiving medical clearance from the club doctor." However, the NRL "could implement a blanket ban over players returning if they show any of the indicators they are cracking down on" (SMH, 3/29).
NOTHING NEW: REUTERS' Justin Palmer wrote rugby officials, fans and TV execs reveled "in a thrilling Six Nations championship finale but concerns surrounding concussion and its long-term impact on players continue to cast a shadow over the game." Head injuries "have long been a concern" in America's NFL. Concussion-related injuries in rugby "have also claimed the careers of leading players, including England international Shontayne Hape, who won 13 caps between 2010-11 but was forced to retire last year after sustaining repeated concussions." New concussion control measures are also set to be introduced at this year's rugby World Cup in England and Wales, "including sideline video reviews by team-neutral doctors" (REUTERS, 3/27).
