In a pioneering move to safeguard the long-term well-being of rugby players, World Rugby and SA Rugby have introduced a new Brain Health Service designed to support former elite South African players.
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Due to its very nature, the bumps, impacts and collisions in the game of rugby can have immediate as well as long term effects.
For example, DHL Stormers and South African prop Steven Kitshoff suffered a severe neck injury during a Currie Cup match against Griquas, which nearly cost him his life. He later announced his retirement from professional rugby due to this injury.
Additionally, former England hooker Steve Thompson has been diagnosed with early-onset dementia and chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), conditions linked to repeated head traumas during his rugby career. Thompson often cannot remember his children's names or key moments, including their 2003 World Cup victory.
Now, in a pioneering move to safeguard the long-term well-being of rugby players, World Rugby and SA Rugby have introduced a new Brain Health Service designed to support former elite South African players.
This initiative, launched in partnership with MyPlayers, aims to provide comprehensive brain health assessments and expert guidance free of charge.
The Brain Health Service is a first-of-its-kind initiative in South Africa, following in the footsteps of similar programs in Ireland, Wales, and Australia. This service is part of World Rugby’s broader six-point plan to enhance player welfare and ensure that athletes receive the care they need, not only during their careers but also after retirement.
Former players can access an online platform that includes an educational component, an initial questionnaire, and a telehealth consultation with a trained brain health practitioner. The goal is to assess players for potential brain health risks, establish a cognitive baseline, and provide tailored advice on managing long-term health concerns. Those who need further medical attention will be guided toward specialist care.
Dr. Martin Raftery, World Rugby’s former Chief Medical Officer and project lead, emphasised the significance of this initiative. “Player welfare is World Rugby’s number one priority. We are focused on preventing problems players may experience in the future as well as helping them get support for anything they may be dealing with today. This new Brain Health Service is the first of its kind in the world, and South Africa is the fourth nation to establish this system.”
SA Rugby has expressed its unwavering commitment to player welfare through this initiative. Clint Readhead, SA Rugby’s General Manager: Medical, highlighted the importance of the program: “We are pleased to partner with World Rugby and MyPlayers to introduce this service in South Africa. Player welfare is a top priority, and we are committed to offering an accessible, comprehensive service with expert guidance to ensure players have the necessary resources for a healthy and fulfilling life beyond rugby.”
Eugene Henning, CEO of MyPlayers, echoed this sentiment: “The launch of the Brain Health Service marks another significant step forward, complementing our ongoing support for current players while ensuring the well-being of those who dedicated themselves to the sport in years past.”
For many former professional rugby players, concerns about brain health and long-term cognitive well-being are significant. The introduction of the Brain Health Service ensures they have access to expert resources that can help detect and manage potential issues early on.
SA Rugby CEO Rian Oberholzer emphasised the importance of staying connected with retired players: “Player welfare is a priority at SA Rugby, and you don’t leave our rugby family once you hang up your boots. We’re putting this service in place because it’s the right thing to do.”
Former Springbok flyhalf Joel Stransky underscored the impact of the new service: “Having a service like the Brain Health Service readily available provides players with peace of mind, knowing they have a trusted resource for any brain health concerns – whether during their playing career or after retirement.”
Zenay Jordaan, a former Springbok women’s fifteens and sevens player, also praised the program: “Rugby deserves recognition for its commitment to inclusivity, ensuring that female players are fully integrated into the game – including in matters of player welfare. It is reassuring to know that a dedicated service is available to address our brain health concerns.”
The launch of the Brain Health Service reflects a growing emphasis on player welfare and long-term health. Rugby, a sport known for its intensity and physical demands, is evolving to ensure that those who have given their all to the game receive the necessary support in retirement.
This initiative aligns with World Rugby’s broader efforts to enhance player safety, including the introduction of smart mouthguards, the lowering of tackle heights in community rugby, and ongoing advancements in concussion management. By prioritising brain health, rugby continues to set the standard for athlete care in contact sports.
Former elite players can register for the Brain Health Service starting today, ensuring they have access to this vital resource as they transition into life beyond the pitch.
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