Brain injury charity reacts to Dylan Hartley concussion break

Luke Griggs, spokesman for the brain injury charity Headway, said: “We are increasingly seeing rugby players taking early retirement on medical advice as our understanding of the short and long-term implications of concussion increases.

“We have known for some time that there is a link between the cumulative effect of repeated blows to the head – such as those suffered by boxers – and degenerative neurological conditions such as dementia. What we are now getting closer to understanding is the extent to which more minor traumatic brain injuries – or concussions – can impact later life.

“It’s vital that players at all levels of sport take responsibility by being honest with medical staff and admitting to feeling dizzy, nauseous, or dazed, for example.

“They must also listen to and heed the medical advice given. That may mean complete rest over an extended period of time, which while frustrating has to be preferable to the potential consequences of sustaining a more serious long-term neurological injury.”

For more information about concussion in sport, visit concussionaware.org.uk.