🏉 How to Deal with a Head Injury in Rugby (Including Suspected Concussion)

Every head impact in rugby — whether from a tackle, collision, or fall — must be treated seriously.
According to current RFU concussion guidance, if a player shows any sign or symptom of concussion, they must be immediately removed from play and must not return that day.

Even for seemingly minor knocks, acting calmly and correctly protects players and prevents long-term harm.

⚠️ Step 1: Recognise the Warning Signs

Look for visible signs that something isn’t right:

• Lying motionless or slow to get up

• Appearing dazed, vacant, or confused

• Unsteady on their feet

• Grabbing or clutching their head

• Blurred vision, dizziness, or headache

• Nausea or vomiting

• Trouble concentrating or following instructions

• Unusual behaviour or personality change

• Loss of consciousness, even briefly

If you see any of these signs, treat it as a suspected concussion.

🚫 Step 2: Remove the Player Immediately

If in doubt, sit them out.

• Stop play and escort the player off the field.

• Do not allow them to continue playing or training that day.

• Ensure the player is supervised and not left alone.

• If they lose consciousness, are vomiting repeatedly, or show worsening symptoms, call 999 or 112 straight away.

• If there’s a possible neck or spinal injury, do not move them unless absolutely necessary for safety.

🧑‍⚕️ Step 3: Arrange a Professional Assessment

• Every player with a suspected head injury should be assessed by a healthcare professional within 24 hours.

• They must follow a Graduated Return to Activity and Sport (GRAS) programme before playing again.

• For all community rugby players, this means a minimum of 21 days before returning to full contact, even if symptoms disappear sooner.

• The player should be symptom-free and cleared by a medical professional before starting any training.

🕒 Step 4: Rest and Monitor

• Encourage physical and mental rest for the first 24–48 hours — avoid sport, heavy exercise, and screen time.

• Continue to monitor for any delayed or worsening symptoms such as:

  • Increasing headache

  • Drowsiness or confusion

  • Repeated vomiting

  • Seizures

  • Weakness, numbness, or clear fluid from ears or nose

• If symptoms worsen at any time, call 999 or 112 immediately.

✅ Step 5: Returning to Play

Once the player is completely symptom-free at rest and has been medically cleared, they can begin a stepwise return to activity:

1. Light aerobic exercise (walking, gentle cycling)

2. Sport-specific drills without contact

3. Non-contact training

4. Full contact practice

5. Match play

Each step should take at least 24 hours, and if symptoms return at any stage, the player must drop back to the previous step and rest again.
For community rugby, this full process must last a minimum of 21 days before contact is resumed.

🧠 Why This Matters

Failing to follow concussion protocols increases the risk of serious complications such as second-impact syndrome, prolonged recovery, and long-term brain health issues.
Always remember: If in doubt, sit them out.

Protecting the player’s health is more important than any single match or training session.

🎓 Learn Sports First Aid with DAC Education

Our Sports First Aid and Emergency First Aid for Rugby courses teach you how to:

• Recognise and manage concussions and head injuries

• Provide initial care on the field

• Understand graduated return-to-play rules

• Support player welfare with confidence and compliance

👉 Book a Sports First Aid Course
(Delivered at our Suffolk HQ or on-site for groups of six or more.)

Disclaimer

This guide provides general first aid information.
Always call 999 or 112 if someone loses consciousness, shows worrying symptoms, or if you are unsure about the seriousness of a head injury.
Follow your club’s welfare policy and RFU HEADCASE concussion guidance at all times.