RFL CEO outlines how rugby league plans to counter concussion in backdrop of lawsuit

RFL CEO Tony Sutton has explained what steps the RFL are taking to protect players from the impacts of concussions, amidst the backdrop of the head injury lawsuit. 

Speaking on BBC Radio Manchester’s ‘Manchester Total Sport’, Sutton highlights the importance of head injuries to the RFL, describing them as the ‘top challenge’ facing the sport’s governing body. “This is one of our, I would say, top three challenges, if not top one, ” he said. “Our response to the things that we are learning and the things that we know will be really key in this area.”

He added: “The care for those who play the game is of paramount importance to us. We need to make sure that there is a considered, appropriate and proper response to us understanding that data better. We have put a number of research programmes into the game. People have probably heard about instrumented mouthguards, for example, which are starting to supply us with a lot of data.”

The RFL have taken massive strides in limiting head injuries in the sport, including a new tackle height law trial in the academy game. He commented on how they will use the trial games to add more data into their already existing pool. “To make sure our response is right, I am sure you will be very aware that this weekend is the final weekend, the fourth weekend of the two law trials that we are trialling in academy matches. We will take the data from those trial games to see what impact those law changes have had.”

The academy trial has been in place since June, with Bradford Bulls and Leeds Rhinos playing in the first game under the laws. The RFL are trailing a new lower tackle height rule, with the new height now below the armpit, in an attempt to prevent head on head collisions. It has been a rocky start though, with increased penalties in the games played under the new laws.

Sutton also explained how it is an issue for the wider game in the country, not just at the elite level. “We need to make sure that concussive and sub-concussive impacts are dealt with strongly and appropriately, not just at Super League or professional level but throughout the community and appropriately, not just at Super League or professional level but throughout the community game as well.”

He also highlighted the RFL’s internal committee to help with issues surrounding head injuries. “We have an internal committee, again, really, really well populated with people who have played and people who have coached and people who do run clubs across the professional pyramid and in the community game.”