Global Partners
Global Partners
label.rwc7s2022.logo-alt-text label.rwc7s2022.logo-alt-text label.rwc7s2022.logo-alt-text
Listen Live
  • Get Tickets
  • Teams & Qualifying
  • Video
  • News
  • Get Tickets
  • Teams & Qualifying
  • Video
  • News
  • Venue
  • Newsletter
  • FAQ Tickets
  • About RWC Sevens
  • Media
  • Contact Us
World Rugby
Website language
English
  • English
  • Français
  • Español
  • 日本語
Website language
English
  • English
  • Français
  • Español
  • 日本語
  • About RWC Sevens
  • Media
  • Contact Us
Latest News
Andy Vilk, head coach of Italy men's sevens
4 min read

RWC Sevens 2022 qualifying

Italy men’s sevens team seeks return to the big stage

The European men's qualification tournament for Rugby World Cup Sevens 2022 is on the horizon with the prize of four tickets to Cape Town, South Africa at stake in July.

RWC Sevens 2022 qualifying

Thu 19 May, 2022
4 min read
HSBC Canada Women's Sevens 2022
4 min read

HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series

Black Ferns Sevens renew riveting rivalry with Australia on HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series

Australia wrapped up the 2022 Series title in Langford, but the Black Ferns Sevens left Canada with plenty to celebrate as they begin a busy period.

HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series

Tue 3 May, 2022
4 min read
Madagascar Women's Sevens
3 min read

Rugby World Cup Sevens 2022

Rugby World Cup Sevens 2022: Madagascar latest team to book ticket to Cape Town

Following another intense weekend of qualifying action we now know the identity of 12 women's and 20 men's teams who will compete at RWC Sevens 2022.

Rugby World Cup Sevens 2022

Mon 2 May, 2022
3 min read
HSBC Spain Sevens Seville 2022 - Women's
4 min read

HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series

Amee-Leigh Murphy Crowe keen to drive Ireland onto Rugby World Cup Sevens 2022

We spoke to the prolific Ireland star about backing up the team’s success in Seville and plotting their path to Cape Town in September.

HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series

Tue 26 April, 2022
4 min read
Rugby World Cup Sevens San Francisco 2018 - Day Two
5 min read

Rugby World Cup Sevens 2022

Everything you need to know about Rugby World Cup Sevens 2022

Your guide to RWC Sevens 2022, which will take place in Cape Town between 9-11 September this year.

Rugby World Cup Sevens 2022

Fri 8 April, 2022
5 min read
2018 Highlights
Rugby World Cup Sevens 2018
08:29 mins

Highlights: New Zealand win big in San Francisco

New Zealand retained their Rugby World Cup Sevens title in San Francisco
Mon 23 July, 2018
08:29 mins
Rugby World Cup Sevens 2018
07:03 mins

Highlights: New Zealand women's win Rugby World Cup Sevens

Check out all the top action as New Zealand win The Rugby World Cup Sevens in San Francisco
Sun 22 July, 2018
07:03 mins
Rugby World Cup Sevens San Francisco 2018 - Day Two
06:30 mins

HIGHLIGHTS: Men's semi-finals confirmed after thrilling day two

Men's semi-finals confirmed after thrilling day two of action at Rugby World Cup Sevens 2018 #RWC7s
Sun 22 July, 2018
06:30 mins
Rugby World Cup Sevens San Francisco 2018 - Day One
06:51 mins

Highlights: Men's quarter-finals decided

Men's quarter-finals of Rugby World Cup Sevens decided after incredible first day at AT&T Park
Sat 21 July, 2018
06:51 mins
Rugby World Cup Sevens 2018
06:26 mins

Highlights: Women's semi-finals confirmed at Rugby World Cup Sevens

Championship semi-finals confirmed after thrilling day one of action
Sat 21 July, 2018
06:26 mins
Player welfare
Wednesday 17 November, 2021
4 min read

World Rugby and International Rugby Players launch global brain health education campaign

World Rugby, national unions and International Rugby Players are launching the Brain Health Initiative today, a global education campaign to increase understanding of the importance of brain health within the rugby family.
  • label.share.via_facebook_messenger
  • label.share.via_whatsapp
  • label.share.via_facebook
  • label.share.via_twitter
  • label.share.via_copy
    URL Copied
  • New Brain Health Initiative reflects commitment to educate and support current and former elite players who might be concerned about their wellbeing and brain health 
  • Global initiative includes new videos featuring leading independent experts outlining 12 modifiable risk factors for dementia and how rugby can play a positive role in reducing many of these 
  • Campaign launched at World Rugby Medical Commission Conference as part of World Rugby’s ongoing engagement with member unions, local healthcare authorities and brain health experts to advance player welfare across the rugby family 
  • World Rugby to support a model of free brain health clinics where former elite players will be able to access expert consultation, clinical assessment and advice 
  • Long-term aim of the new initiative is to create brain health ambassadors for those in the wider community – whether they are involved in rugby or not 

World Rugby, national unions and International Rugby Players are launching the Brain Health Initiative today, a global education campaign to increase understanding of the importance of brain health within the rugby family. 

Initially aimed at current and former professional players, this groundbreaking campaign is being launched at the World Rugby Medical Commission Conference in London. It reflects World Rugby’s ongoing conversations with member unions, leading independent scientific and medical experts, and local healthcare authorities with specialist provision for medical and social care directed towards brain health. This is also a reflection of World Rugby’s aim to maintain rugby as the most progressive sport on player welfare. 

17:45 mins
Rugby and Brain Health
A short film on Rugby and Brain Health hosted by IRP representatives Sene Naoupu and Dr Jamie Roberts joined by brain health experts from around the world.

There are 12 ‘modifiable risk factors’ that can affect our brain heath and influence our risk of getting dementia. These risk factors include lack of physical activity, lack of social contact, depression, heart disease and brain injury.  

At the heart of World Rugby’s campaign is an educational video featuring leading independent experts Professor Craig Ritchie (Professor of the Psychiatry of Ageing at the University of Edinburgh & Director, Brain Health Scotland), Professor Willie Stewart (Consultant Neuropathologist at the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital, Glasgow), Dr Fiona Wilson (Associate Professor in the School of Medicine, Trinity College Dublin) and Karen BK Chan (Emotional literacy expert). The video describes how former and current players can use what we know about the 12 modifiable risk factors of dementia to optimise their brain health. The videos also provide information on where players should go if they have concerns about their brain health. 

Watch the brain health education video here >> 

Professor Craig Ritchie said: “Long-term cognitive health is extremely complex, and dementia isn’t necessarily a consequence of one factor. It is important for those involved in the game to understand that by prioritising good brain health, it is possible to reduce the risk of developing dementia and other degenerative brain conditions. Rugby players, past and present, can make moves such as maintaining good health and fitness, and tackling stress, anxiety and depression to help reduce certain risk factors, while the sport continues to prioritise reducing the risk of head impacts for players at all levels and stages of the game.”   

The new video resource forms part of World Rugby’s wider commitment to brain health that will also include support for free brain health clinics where former players will be able to access expert consultation, advice and clinical assessment. This approach aims to identify the causes of symptoms that former players may have, while identifying new ways to improve brain health within the sport. The long-term goal will be to create role models for younger players starting out on their own rugby journey, while providing wider, valuable support to communities beyond the game. 

Professor Willie Stewart said: “This is incredibly important work from World Rugby that will undoubtedly benefit the global game and broader sport. 

“While progress is being made to reduce risk for current and future players through changes to training and gameplay, it is important that the brain health of former players is not overlooked. This initiative highlights the importance of our brain health and the measures we can all take to try and reduce our risk of dementia.” 

World Rugby Chairman Sir Bill Beaumont said: “We care deeply about every member of our rugby family, and constantly strive to safeguard and support our players. We have consistently acted on evolving science and evidence to advance player welfare for all.  

“I’ve been saddened by the recent, brave accounts of former players about their experiences. As a former player myself, I appreciate that some players may be worried about their brain health. We must, and are, putting those players at the heart of our welfare plans. Good brain health is much wider than what happens on the field, and we have more control over it than you would think. It is about creating community, starting conversations and building an understanding of how we all can make lifestyle changes that can positively impact our long-term wellbeing. At the same time, we will not sit still in evolving our game to ensure its best protects those playing it. 

“By providing accessible video resources and high-quality care and support through the establishment of brain health clinics around the world, we can better educate members of our rugby family – whether they’re newcomers, established club players, professionals nearing the end of their career or retirees – on what can be a complex and daunting topic. I hope that, like myself, players engage with our Brain Health Initiative to help them thrive and perform, both in rugby and everyday life outside.”  

Head of Strategic Projects and Research at International Rugby Players Sene Naoupu added: “We are working hard on concussion management, both in terms of injury prevention as well as the ongoing support of players throughout their lives. There’s no doubt that the development of brain clinics in our major rugby playing regions is a big step in the right direction – an initiative that we’ve worked alongside World Rugby on.  Looking ahead, we seek to continue to improve the offering to retired players, ensuring that those in need feel looked after in every way possible.” 

The new initiative builds on World Rugby’s six-point player welfare strategy, which has focus areas including aftercare for former players, innovation led by science and research, a wide suite of educational initiatives and open engagement with the rugby family. 

The World Rugby Medical Commission Conference invites medics, researchers, sports scientists, players and coaches to a programme of webinars, workshops and panels aimed at furthering player welfare ‘best practice’ across all 128 member unions. 

Trending News Show all
HSBC Canada Sevens 2022
3 min read

HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series

Marcos Moneta on his rapid rise and historic sevens season for Argentina

The Los Pumas Sevens speedster has had a year to remember by scooping up individual and team accolades, and he tells World Rugby about the journey so far and how football influenced his playing style.

HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series

Thu 26 May, 2022
3 min read
20220525_002
3 min read

Rugby sevens

London welcomes the stars of rugby sevens

A huge crowd will welcome all 16 core teams for the penultimate round of the men’s HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series at Twickenham Stadium on 28-29 May with all to play for in the race for the 2022 Series title

Rugby sevens

Wed 25 May, 2022
3 min read
Alex Davis England Sevens
3 min read

HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series – London

England sevens skipper Davis: “Let’s embrace and enjoy playing at home”

Ahead of this weekend’s action in Twickenham, captain Alex Davis reveals what it’s like to step out in front of a home crowd in the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series.

HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series – London

Tue 24 May, 2022
3 min read
20220522_150
7 min read

HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series – Toulouse

Fiji and New Zealand the winners after a brilliant HSBC France Sevens

Ireland reach their first ever men’s final as the women’s HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series comes to an end for 2022 with Australia worthy winners following an outstanding season. Argentina hold a two-point lead over South Africa in the men's Series standings

HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series – Toulouse

Sun 22 May, 2022
7 min read
HSBC France Sevens 2022 Men's
8 min read

HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series – Toulouse

Big names fall on dramatic day of upsets at HSBC France Sevens in Toulouse

Argentina and Australia were knocked out in the men’s quarter-finals, while Series leaders South Africa and heavyweights New Zealand failed to even make the knockout stages. Australia and New Zealand’s women impressed, while Fiji reached the final four in both events.

HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series – Toulouse

Sat 21 May, 2022
8 min read
HSBC France Sevens 2022 Men's
6 min read

HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series - Toulouse

Men’s HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series favourites suffer shock defeats on opening day in Toulouse as women’s champions Australia continue fine form

South Africa, Australia and Argentina were all beaten on the opening day of the HSBC France Sevens men’s event, while New Zealand and Australia caught the eye with some big wins in the women’s competition

HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series - Toulouse

Fri 20 May, 2022
6 min read
Rikki Swannell becomes first females to commentate on men's series
5 min read

Feature

Behind the microphone: Groundbreaker Rikki Swannell

World Rugby talks to the New Zealander about becoming the first female lead commentator on the men’s HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series and her life in sports broadcasting.

Feature

Fri 20 May, 2022
5 min read
Andy Vilk, head coach of Italy men's sevens
4 min read

RWC Sevens 2022 qualifying

Italy men’s sevens team seeks return to the big stage

The European men's qualification tournament for Rugby World Cup Sevens 2022 is on the horizon with the prize of four tickets to Cape Town, South Africa at stake in July.

RWC Sevens 2022 qualifying

Thu 19 May, 2022
4 min read
Serevi Coaching Roadshow - HSBC Event
3 min read

HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series

Fiji are in Toulouse to win: “There is still room for improvement,” says Gollings

Gold and silver medals in their last two HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series outings have Fiji feeling good ahead of French tournament

HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series

Thu 19 May, 2022
3 min read
HSBC France Sevens 2022
4 min read

Rugby Sevens

Captains ready for lift off at HSBC France Sevens

Toulouse welcomes a full line-up of 16 men’s and 12 women’s teams for the first time in the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series on 20-22 May

Rugby Sevens

Wed 18 May, 2022
4 min read
Global Partners
label.rwc7s2022.logo-alt-text
  • Rugby World Cup Limited © 2007 - 2022. All Rights Reserved.
  • Terms & Conditions
  • Cookies Policy
  • Privacy Policy
  • Contact Rugby World Cup Sevens
  • World Rugby Media Zone
Website language
English
  • English
  • Français
  • Español
  • 日本語