Stars back IRB's recognise and remove concussion education video

Rugby players, coaches and parents around the world are being told to Recognise and Remove (#RecogniseAndRemove) as the International Rugby Board launches a new concussion education video.

The video, which features some of the biggest names in men’s and women’s Rugby including Australian Women's Sevens star Emilee Cherry, is being released across the IRB’s social and digital media channels and will be central to a Game-wide education programme aimed at informing the symptoms and dangers of concussion.

Cherry, the IRB Women's Sevens Player of the Year, is joined by All Black Keven Mealamu, England’s Women’s Rugby World Cup winner Maggie Alphonsi, Italy captain Sergio Parisse and Wales’ Dr Jamie Roberts in spreading the Recognise and Remove message.

IRB Chairman Bernard Lapasset said: "Education sits at the centre of our mission to change culture in Rugby and the IRB's message to Rugby players at all levels is simple - concussion is serious and players, coaches, medics and parents have a duty to recognise the symptoms of concussion and permanently remove any player displaying them. If in doubt, sit them out."

"We are delighted that our Unions are supporting the campaign and are championing the #RecogniseAndRemove message across social media to reach as many people as we can."

Concussion affects all contact sport and is a major area of focus for the IRB. The IRB takes a bottom-up approach to education, prevention and management, collaborating with its Unions and a body of expert independent advisors to deliver policies and programmes to support the Game.

Education sits at the top of the IRB and its Unions commitment to changing culture when it comes to taking concussion seriously at all levels of the Game. The video will feature alongside player, coach and medic education at IRB tournaments and supplements education programmes delivered by individual Unions on an on-going basis.

Research-based advances in on-field assessment of head injuries and graduated return to play protocols are benefiting the elite game, while at community level promotion of correct playing techniques and longer rest periods for youths is also supporting players. All of this is underpinned by research and guidance by a panel of field-leading independent experts.

An enhanced concussion education website featuring public guidance and key information on the Recognise and Remove programme in English, Spanish, Italian, Japanese and Portuguese has also been launched.