The professional practice of rugby is likely to lead to changes in the brain structure.

This follows a study by Imperial College, which followed 44 players between July 2017 and September 2019, 21 of whom suffered a minor head injury while playing, according to a statement.

These 41 men and three women all had MRI scans, and about half of them had a second scan a year later.

They have been compared to athletes who do not play in contact sports and people who are not athletes.

The results show that 23% of players - whether or not they had a head injury - had axon abnormalities (extensions of neurons), causing microhemorrhages.

In addition to these abnormalities in the white matter of the brain, which enables the connection between neurons, there are also "abnormal changes" in the volume of this substance.

Awareness around concussions

“What is not clear at this point is the long-term clinical impact of these changes.

More research is needed to understand the long-term consequences of repeated head injuries during a rugby career, ”said study lead author David Sharp.

The issue of shocks and injuries to the head, whether in rugby or even in football, is increasingly discussed, especially with regard to the risks of long-term illnesses or disorders.

In mid-July, World Rugby, the body of world rugby, announced the extension of the use of consultants outside teams in matters of concussion, which will become "mandatory" in several cases, including that of returning to the field within ten. days after the injury.

British MPs want more prevention

In December 2020, a group of former rugby professionals announced their intention to seek compensation from the International Federation and the English and Welsh federations after diagnoses of neurological disorders.

These former players believe that the many shocks in training and in matches to which they have been subjected, as well as an overly lax management of concussions, are at the origin of their disorders.

On Thursday, a report by British MPs called on sporting bodies and lawmakers to do more to prevent concussion risks in athletes, arguing for a common definition of concussion in sport.

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