WRU, WRPA and World Rugby launch Brain Health Service for former elite players

• Former players in Wales can now access a new service that provides the latest information on brain health and an assessment of their current brain health status, free of charge.
• The service is delivered in a partnership with World Rugby and The Welsh Rugby Players’ Association (WRPA)
• Former Wales men’s and women’s internationals and elite players in Wales are able to register to undergo an online test and assessment by a trained brain health practitioner

The Welsh Rugby Union (WRU), the Welsh Rugby Players’ Association (WRPA) and World Rugby have today launched a new Brain Health Service to support former elite players in Wales.

The WRU is one of the first to launch this new initiative, which is available free of charge, and follows services already available in Ireland and Australia.

The service includes an awareness and education component, an online questionnaire and tele-health delivered cognitive assessment with a trained brain health practitioner.  The service assesses players for any brain health warning signs, provides advice on managing risk factors and will signpost anyone in need of specialist care.  

This service sits alongside the use of new technology for current elite players such as smart mouthguards and trials of a lower tackle height in community rugby across Wales and around the world. 

Funded by World Rugby, the Brain Health Service has been developed using independent and scientifically proven examination techniques.  Participants are required to fill out an initial questionnaire before proceeding to an online consultation with a trained brain health practitioner. The WRU is funding ongoing costs and the staff required to support the administration of the service.

Players who do not display any warning signs are supported with the most up-to-date advice on keeping their brain health in-check and will also be advised of the WRPA’s intention to introduce a membership category for former players, which will include mental wellbeing support, personal development initiatives, career guidance and community engagement opportunities. 

Any player displaying warning signs of poor brain health will be referred to a specialist for further, in-person tests via their family doctor. 

The service will initially be made available to any retired player, male or female, who has played international 15s or 7s rugby for Wales, as well as any player who has played senior professional rugby for a team in Wales or at an elite level for a team in Wales prior to 1995. Eligibility criteria has been set with advice from world leading independent brain health experts.  

Any interested eligible former players can register by emailing bhswales@wrpa.co.uk

Prav Mathema, WRU, Medical Services Manager said: “We are delighted to collaborate with World Rugby and the WRPA in launching this service in Wales. Player welfare is crucial and it is important to us to be able to provide a wide-reaching, accessible service with expert guidance so that players have access to the resources they need for a healthy and fulfilling life beyond rugby.

“We feel this service demonstrates our continued commitment to supporting those who have played the game at an elite level in Wales and their continued wellbeing, beyond their playing days.”

Abi Tierney, WRU, CEO added: "We are extremely proud to launch our new Brain Health Service alongside World Rugby and WRPA, providing essential support to all former internationals and elite players in Wales, both male and female.

"In order for us to be a leading Union, it’s vital that we continue to prioritise education, health and wellbeing at all levels of the game; and the extension of care beyond an athlete's playing days is part of a wraparound service that addresses the needs of individuals into the future.

"Our sincere gratitude goes to World Rugby and the WRPA for their expertise and ongoing support to administer this crucial service which former players can register from today."

World Rugby Chief Medical Officer Prof Eanna Falvey said: “We’re delighted to be launching the Brain Health Service in Wales today building on the services available in Ireland and Australia. We know former players read reports about their former peers and teammates who are struggling. The Brain Health Services gives any worried player a place to go which can put their minds at ease, or if required, put them in touch with medical experts who can further investigate any warning signs.  
 
“Player welfare is World Rugby’s number one priority and that applies equally to current and former players.  In providing this Brain Health Service World Rugby, the WRU and WRPA are once again demonstrating that our sport leads the world in looking after our players at all levels of the game and that we will never stand still when it comes to ensuring rugby is a game that can be enjoyed by everyone at every level of the sport.”  

Gareth Lewis, CEO, Welsh Rugby Players Association said: “We are proud to work in collaboration with the WRU and World Rugby and to lead on player welfare matters in Wales. The introduction of this new Brain Health Service is another big step in the right direction which along with our work supporting current players, enables us to support the welfare of those who gave their all to the sport in previous years.”