New Zealand Rugby unveils comprehensive Concussion Risk Management Plan

New Zealand Rugby (NZR), in partnership with the New Zealand Rugby Players Association (NZRPA) and the New Zealand Rugby Foundation (NZRF), have today unveiled an enhanced Brain Health and Concussion Risk Management Plan - a major step forward in player safety.

Building on the significant progress in concussion management, this plan reinforces New Zealand’s position as a global leader in making rugby safer for all players. 

The plan is structured around five key areas to further manage and minimise risks: Injury Prevention, Injury Management, Education & Training, Research & Monitoring, and Communication. Each area contains a set of targeted initiatives designed to further reduce concussion risk, improve player health, and ensure the future of the game remains safe for everyone.
 
NZR CEO Mark Robinson said, “We’re proud to lead the way globally on player safety, and this plan underscores our ongoing commitment to prioritising brain health across the game. The work we’ve done so far has made a real difference, and this plan will ensure that rugby remains as safe as possible for players at all levels. From grassroots to the elite game, we are making concerted efforts to reduce concussion risks while keeping the game we love a great experience for everyone involved.”

“Our commitment to player safety is at the heart of this plan,” Robinson continued. “We are working alongside the NZRPA and NZRF to ensure that rugby remains the fantastic game it is – with a strong focus on brain health, injury prevention, and creating a safe environment for all.

Rugby is a great game, loved by millions of New Zealanders and played with passion and pride at every level. Recognising the inherent risks of contact sports, NZR is doing everything in its power to ensure the game is as safe as possible for current and future players. This plan not only addresses concussion risks but ensures that rugby remains accessible and enjoyable for all players, from the first-time participants to the professional athletes who inspire us all.”

“Getting key stakeholders aligned and committed to a comprehensive plan in relation to concussion and brain health is an important step forward,” said NZRPA CEO Rob Nichol. “We can now focus on implementing that plan, measuring performance and holding each other to account, learning from research and the experiences of those within and outside the game, and constantly refining the plan to produce better and better outcomes for players.”

Lisa Kingi-Bon, Chief Executive of the New Zealand Rugby Foundation, added, “This plan is so important. We need to keep learning and ensure our players, and their families understand safety. It’s about doing the right thing for our players, their families, and the future of rugby.

The effectiveness of the plan will be reviewed annually, with ongoing improvements to ensure we remain at the forefront of concussion management.

“With this forward-thinking, proactive approach, NZR, together with our partners, is making important strides to safeguard the future of rugby in New Zealand." said Kingi-Bon. "We encourage all stakeholders – from clubs to communities – to engage in this vital conversation and contribute to a culture of safety, wellbeing, and enjoyment in rugby.”

Key Initiatives include:

• Enhanced Injury Prevention Programmes: Building on evidence-based programmes, the plan will introduce further measures to reduce both the severity and frequency of concussions. NZR’s current work, such as the RugbySmart injury prevention programme, is already reducing injuries and this plan expands these efforts with the latest science and technologies.
• Education and Training: In-depth education for players, coaches, and referees on concussion recognition and management is critical to the ongoing success. NZR’s existing initiatives are already setting the benchmark in concussion education, and this plan will elevate those resources to ensure everyone in the game is equipped with the knowledge to act swiftly and responsibly.
• Injury Management Support: NZR has developed clear, actionable protocols for concussion management, including the innovative Head Injury Assessment (HIA) protocols, already being used at the elite level. This new plan will continue to improve these processes, ensuring a player’s health is always the top priority.
• Ongoing Research: Commitment to staying at the cutting edge of concussion research is unwavering. NZR has been a founding partner in several groundbreaking studies, and this plan commits to ongoing investment in world-class research that will continue to inform concussion management strategies.
• Transparent Communication: NZR will continue to lead the way with clear, consistent communication with players, families, medical professionals, and all rugby stakeholders.