It was announced that the RFU Council agreed on Monday 16th January to lower the height of the tackle across the community game from July 1 2023.

Designed to improve player safety and informed by data, this change aims to reduce head impact exposure and concussion risk in the tackle for both the ball carrier and tackler.

You can read the full announcement here:

https://www.englandrugby.com/news/article/rfu-council-approves-lowering-of-the-tackle-height-across-community-rugby-in-england-2023

It was announced that baseline concussion testing will be provided to all inter-county players across Ireland, and these players will also be covered for concussion physician specialist treatment.

UPMC in Ireland has joined with the GAA, Ladies Gaelic Football Association (LGFA), the Camogie Association, and the Gaelic Players Association (GPA) to roll out a concussion baseline testing programme to inter-county players across 32 counties – with the goal of rapidly diagnosing and treating concussions in players.

You can read the full announcement here:

https://www.gaelicplayers.com/national-concussion-testing-and-treatment-programme-launched/

The Scottish FA announced today that they have banned heading on the day before and the day after matches. This is following new research on the dangers of concussion and the impact heading in training has on the brain.

You can read the full announcement here:

https://www.scottishfa.co.uk/news/scottish-fa-introduces-new-adult-game-heading-guidance/?rid=14258