Irish & International Sports News, Fixtures & Results

Tactical substitutions were not allowed in rugby before 1996

Springloading replacements 'destroying' rugby - Lenihan

Donal Lenihan says that the modern trend of springloading forward replacements is "destroying" rugby.

For the eighth consecutive season, concussion was the most commonly reported match injury.

Concussion levels at an all-time high in English rugby

The severity of concussion in English rugby is at an all-time high, according to the latest figures published by their national governing body.

Rugby • 23 Dec 20

Philadelphia Union's Kacper Przybylko is evaluated for possible concussion during a MLS match against Montreal Impact in September

Concussion substitutes to be trialled from January

Football's lawmakers have approved "extensive trials" for additional permanent concussion substitutes.

Soccer • 16 Dec 20

Vertonghen suffered the injury during a Tottenham match against Ajax

Vertonghen suffered for nine months after concussion

A blow to the head in the Champions League semi-finals last year left Jan Vertonghen dizzy and suffering from headaches for nine months, and ruined the last season of his contract at Tottenham.

Soccer • 15 Dec 20

Steve Thompson has no memory of the 2003 World Cup final

Law firm pushes ahead with rugby concussion action

Lawyers for former rugby players will send a letter of claim to World Rugby, the Rugby Football Union and the Welsh Rugby Union on Tuesday in a class-action suit which alleges that their failure to protect them has led to early onset of dementia.

Rugby • 15 Dec 20

RTÉ Rugby Podcast: Champions Cup & concussion issues

RTÉ Rugby Podcast previews the start of the Heineken Champions Cup campaign, discusses the World Rugby Team of the Decade which featured two Irishmen as well as touching on the issue of concussion after renewed focus on the matter.

Rugby • 09 Dec 20

A concussion awareness banner at Scotland v Ireland 2019

Concussion ramifications are 'hammer blow' for rugby

Bernard Jackman discusses the issue of concussion in rugby on the RTÉ Rugby Podcast and the ramifications an upcoming legal case could have on the sport.

Rugby • 09 Dec 20

Rugby faces an uncertain future following the beginning of the legal action

Updated Lawyer warns of lengthy action ahead on dementia cases

The lawyer leading an action on behalf of players suffering from early onset dementia has warned of an "epidemic" in brain disease among retired professionals without serious reform of the game.

Rugby • 09 Dec 20

This case is considered a test for potential future ones

Brain injury expert says legal route was always likely

Traumatic brain injury expert Dr Willie Stewart believes it was "only a matter of time" before former rugby players with concussion-related issues considered legal action.

Rugby • 08 Dec 20

Rugby is a high-impact sport that appears to have become more direct in recent years

Rugby must do more to prevent long-term injury - study

The rugby authorities should do more to prevent injuries, the authors of a new study into retired players has found.

Rugby • 16 Jul 20

The RWC 2019 had an overall concussion incidence decrease of 28 per cent

World Rugby reports reduction in concussion incidents

World Rugby has announced a reduction in concussion incidents at last year's World Cup in comparison to the 2018 elite competition average.

Rugby • 04 Mar 20

James Tarkowski of Burnley is assessed for concussion during a match between against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge in January.

'Concussion subs' to be trialed ahead of Olympic Games

The International Football Association Board (IFAB) has agreed to introduce trials for concussion substitutes with FIFA set to implement them at the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo.

Soccer • 29 Feb 20

There can be no change to the offside law at this weekend's meeting

Infantino favours 'daylight' principle for offside law

FIFA president Gianni Infantino has spoken in favour of introducing the 'daylight' principle to the offside law to bring extra clarity.

Soccer • 28 Feb 20

Japhet Manzambi Tanganga of Tottenham is checked for a concussion during the Audi Cup 2019 semi final match between Real Madrid and Tottenham

Concussion subs trial planned for 2020-21 season

Concussion substitutes in football could be trialled next season after the game's law-making body agreed to set up an expert group to look at the best way for football to manage head injuries.

Soccer • 03 Dec 19

Confirmed concussion rates have dropped by 12% from the 2015 competition

Concussion rates drop compared with previous World Cup

World Rugby has announced a reduction in concussions and injury replacements at the 2019 World Cup compared with the last tournament four years ago.

Rugby World Cup 2019 • 30 Oct 19

Two experienced referees and a TMO discussed Samoa tackles

Concussion expert confident progress being made

World Rugby is heading in the right direction when it comes to player-safety despite a number of high-profile incidents in the opening days of the tournament, according to a prominent concussion expert.

Rugby World Cup 2019 • 26 Sep 19

Johnny Sexton's accuracy with the boot may be rewarded more

New kick rule and reduced subs proposed by rugby review

A new 50:22 kicking rule and a reduction in the number of substitutions will be among new rugby laws discussed this week by an expert group.

Rugby • 26 Jun 19

Cooper (right) during the 2013 All-Ireland semi-final defeat to Dublin

Cooper: I was concussed after being targeted by Aussies

The Kerry legend only featured in that one International Rules tour because he was put off the game due to what he felt were over-physical exchanges.

GAA • 13 Jun 19

Anthony Fainga'a has called time on his career

Fainga'a retires due to head injuries and concussions

Former Wallabies back Anthony Fainga'a has called time on his rugby career over fears for his long-term health as a result of multiple head injuries and concussions.

Rugby • 06 Feb 19

Ulster lock Browne retires over concussion fears

Ulster second row Pete Browne has announced his decision to retire from rugby after receiving medical advice on the danger of sustaining further concussions.

Rugby • 16 Oct 18

James Ryan is undergoing return-to-play protocols

Murphy: Players copping on to concussion danger

Ireland forward Jordi Murphy believes players are becoming better and recognising possible concussion injuries.

Rugby • 27 Sep 18

Cavanagh showing his cut nose and black eye

'My nose is sore, I've a concussion, but recovering'

The 2008 Footballer of the Year had to be taken to hospital following an incident in a club game in Tyrone.

GAA • 19 Sep 18

'I feel that my comments might have belittled the laws and that was not my intention'

Geordan Murphy in u-turn on rugby 'PC' comments

The former Ireland international wasn't happy at the weekend, but since then he has had a change of heart.

Rugby • 19 Sep 18

The tackle that led to Dominic Ryan's eventual retirement

Onus on coaches to improve tackle technique - Jackman

It is up to coaches to protect players from concussion by developing better tackle techniques, according to Bernard Jackman.

Rugby • 13 Sep 18

Samuel Ezeala of Clermont is evacuated from the pitch during a Top 14 rugby match between Racing 92 and ASM Clermont Auvergne

Rugby's concussion conundrum - rule changes needed?

The 2018-19 season began with news of another premature retirement of an Irish international - are rule changes required in rugby or is a steady cultural shift the only remedy?

Rugby • 14 Sep 18