In a significant stride towards improving player safety, the upcoming Women’s Rugby World Cup will introduce innovative high-tech mouthguards designed to light up in case of heavy head impacts. Scheduled to take place from August 22 to September 27 in England, this tournament signals a new era in the commitment to safeguarding players against concussions.
The revolutionary smart gumshields will serve a crucial role during matches by sending immediate alerts to team doctors when they detect potential concussions. Notably, these advanced mouthguards will flash a red light, prompting referees to stop play and assess any player who has experienced a heavy hit, addressing one of rugby’s most pressing safety concerns.
This pioneering technology is part of a broader initiative by World Rugby to enhance its Head Injury Assessment (HIA) protocol, which will see its full implementation in top-flight rugby following the Women’s Rugby World Cup. The high-tech mouthguards first made their initial debut in the WXV women’s competition in October 2023 and are set for full rollout in the men’s game in 2024.
Dr Eanna Falvey, chief medical officer at World Rugby, highlighted the benefits of this cutting-edge technology, revealing insights into players’ perspectives. “If you want to be involved in the off-field assessment, you need to be wearing the mouthguard,” he stated. He further noted that while some male players opted out of HIAs due to discomfort with the Bluetooth device, the women’s leagues exhibited a more enthusiastic and collaborative approach to adopting new technologies.
With player welfare at the forefront, this technological leap could very well change the landscape of rugby as athletes begin to embrace these advancements. As the event approaches, anticipation grows not only for the competitive spirit displayed on the field but also for instilling confidence in player safety measures off the field.
World Rugby’s commitment to innovation and improved safety protocols will be under the spotlight, as it aims for a seamless integration of technology into the sport, setting a potential precedent for other sports to follow.