Allan Massie: Headgear not guaranteed to make rugby safer
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On the face of it, the idea of protective headgear makes sense.
It is likely that some concussions would be prevented.
On the other hand, the “law of unintended consequences” might come into play.
The game might become more dangerous than it is now.
Look at what has happened in cricket.
Batsmen never used to wear helmets until Kerry Packer’s promotion of a cricketing circus with matches between Australia and the Rest of the World saw the encouragement of more aggressive fast bowling, often aimed at the head.
So helmets were introduced and are now used by everybody in the profession…
It is likely that some concussions would be prevented.
On the other hand, the “law of unintended consequences” might come into play.
The game might become more dangerous than it is now.
Look at what has happened in cricket.
Batsmen never used to wear helmets until Kerry Packer’s promotion of a cricketing circus with matches between Australia and the Rest of the World saw the encouragement of more aggressive fast bowling, often aimed at the head.
So helmets were introduced and are now used by everybody in the profession…
