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World Rugby to test new head guard 'scientifically proven' to reduce risk of injury

The product has been manufactured by a Galway-based company.

A NEW HEAD guard advertised as being the first scientifically proven piece of equipment to provide impact protection has been prohibited for use at any level by World Rugby.

The makers of N-Pro claim it is proven to reduce the risk of traumatic brain injury and is designed to reduce the G-force energy transferred to a playerโ€™s head during impact.

However, World Rugby has this afternoon released a statement stating that until independent tests are carried out in a competition environment, the product does not comply with Regulation 12 or Law 4.

The product, which took three years to develop after extensive research, is the brainchild of Contego Sports Ltd, a company based in Galway.

โ€œGiven the potential advertised player welfare benefits of the product, World Rugby is examining the possibility of implementing a controlled trial to test the productโ€™s safety and performance independently and robustly,โ€ a statement from the sportโ€™s governing body read.

โ€œIt is intended that data from this trial will provide evidence to allow a responsible recommendation to be made on the productโ€™s efficacy.

โ€œWith player welfare at its heart, this is a standard process of due diligence and is implemented whenever a medical product featuring new technology has been developed. A successful outcome would result in the product being awarded the necessary โ€˜approved by World Rugbyโ€™ mark.

โ€œThroughout the productโ€™s development, the manufacturer has been aware that until such a scientific approval process has been undertaken, World Rugby cannot permit the use of the N-Pro product in competition at any level.โ€

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3 Comments
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    Mute Martin Smith
    Favourite Martin Smith
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    Nov 13th 2016, 1:08 PM

    You mean itโ€™s being tested by world rugby. Woeful headline, come on lads.

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    Mute kieran flanaganโ„ข
    Favourite kieran flanaganโ„ข
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    Nov 13th 2016, 1:47 PM

    Great work folks hope they release it sooner then later

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    Mute Joseph Blocks
    Favourite Joseph Blocks
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    Nov 13th 2016, 2:29 PM

    Is it just me, or is the player in the pic wearing โ€œcontroversialโ€ skin makeup? Every player will be wearing one within 10 years of it does what it says on the tin! Great potential.

    7
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