JERSEY Reds coach Harvey Biljon has said that the Championship-winning team follows the highest standards of head-injury detection, prevention and treatment – after it emerged that the number of UK rugby players suing the game’s authorities over brain injuries is set to rise to nearly 300.
The South African said he understood that no active player at the Reds was among that number.
Head injuries and whether the sport did enough in the past to recognise the risk, mitigate their impact and treat players who suffered them is a growing issue in world rugby.
Former internationals Ryan Jones, Steve Thompson and Alix Popham are all involved in various claims in the UK, having been diagnosed with early onset dementia.
Mr Biljon said that he was very proud of the Reds’ track record and its duty of care to players. He said: ‘If you compare what happens now with when I was a player, there has been a seismic shift.
‘I had concussion when I was a player and I waited until I felt better before returning to the field. I was not given the education players receive now. Now, a head injury is treated like any other injury – there is a clear path to return.
‘With, say, a hamstring injury we’ve long known about appropriate recovery times, even if you feel better; those clear rules now apply to head injuries.’
Mr Biljon added that Jersey followed all protocols set by governing bodies, including World Rugby.
This included a range of assessments before every game, investigating injuries of prospective players before signing, limiting training to non-contact during the week, filming all training to allow coaches to review any potential knock, and strictly following set protocols should someone suffer a suspected head injury.
Mr Biljon said that three Jersey Reds players had been through the full Head Injury Assessment Protocols since he joined in January 2014, each player returning safely to play. One, after completing the process, decided to retire from the game, the second returned to full fitness in his second year, and the third – after following extensive return-to-play protocols – will play again this season.
He added that another protocol level would be introduced after the World Cup, which kicks off on Friday in Paris, although the details are not yet known.
‘In Jersey, we have an extra stage, which involves an independent assessment before being allowed to return to the pitch,’ he said.
Mr Biljon also praised his medical and support staff at Stade Santander, as well as the expertise
Jersey can draw on in the UK.
‘We are confident we have it right and the players feel confident and comfortable with the process,’ he said.
Jersey Reds’ next game is away to London Scottish in the Premiership Cup on Sunday 10 September.
