THE IRFU HAS today announced that they have provided ‘concussion management training’ to all coaches involved in schools competitions.

Senior Schools Cup competitions are under way across the country and this year the union’s Safe Rugby coordinator Shane Mooney delivered the seminars with support from a refereeing representative in each province.

Last year, the Leinster Senior Cup match between Gonzaga and Roscrea caused controversy after referee Gary Glennon was drawn into an on-field argument to defend his ruling that Gonzaga prop Fiachra Keane ought to be removed from the field after suffering a suspected concussion.

This season’s seminars were mandatory for all schools competing in Cup competitions and were held in the University of Limerick, Loughrea RFC, Ballina RFC, Kingspan Stadium, Royal School Dungannon, Newbridge College and UCD.

The focus of the sessions was on identifying and managing concussion, with referee representatives highlighting how the existing laws would be enforced to punish dangerous play.

“These seminars are a proactive initiative aimed at supporting schools coaches with useful information ahead of their Schools competitions,” says Dr Rod McLoughlin, IRFU medical director.

“If a concussion is suspected the player must be removed. Appropriate management of any concussive injuries is also vitally important as are the return to play guidelines which stipulate a mandatory 23 days out of the game for players under 20 years of age.”

Click here for more information on Safe Rugby, or this page for guidelines on concussion in the domestic game.

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