RFU report says cases of concussion in rugby are up 59 per cent

The numbers show that head injuries are trending upwards in the game in England

The Rugby Football Union have published their annual Injury Audit and once again the spectre of head injuries and concussion looms large. The headline number is the fact that head injuries in the 2013-14 season were up 59 per cent on the 2012-13 season, from 54 to 86 incidents. However, the authors believe the increase is due to better diagnosis of concussion. Dr Simon Kemp, RFU's chief medical officer told the BBC: "There is greater awareness by players as to what their symptoms mean and a willingness to declare those symptoms to club doctors. There is also a greater understanding by club medical staff as to how to diagnose and recognise concussion." Kemp also told ESPN: "We think reported concussion will continue to rise with greater awareness and focus. To give the figures some context, 87% of players didn't report a concussion last season." The report also compared the incidents of concussion in rugby with other sports. Concussions in rugby occur at a rate of 10.5 per 1,000 hours of competition, compared to 17 per 1,000 hours for pro boxing and 25 per 1,000 hours for National Hunt racing.