A problem with safety is acknowledged in this sport, with illuminating mouthguards suggested as a potential solution?
The Women's Rugby World Cup, set to kick off next week in England, is introducing a new safety measure to address concerns about concussions. World Rugby has mandated the use of smart, sensor-embedded mouthguards for nearly all players[1][2][5].
These mouthguards contain accelerometers and gyroscopes that detect significant head impacts and flash a red light upon exceeding concussion-risk thresholds. This immediate visual alert prompts referees to stop the game and allows medical staff to conduct head injury assessments without delay[1][2][5].
Full opt-in compliance is enforced at the tournament, with only a few players exempted due to orthodontic braces making mouthguard fitting impossible[1][2]. The technology builds on earlier trials starting from 2023 and has been integrated into the Head Injury Assessment (HIA) protocols since January 2024[2].
The sensors provide objective real-time data on impact force and direction beyond what can be assessed visually, improving player safety and concussion detection[1][5]. Beyond technology, World Rugby promotes injury prevention programs such as the Activate program, which evidence shows can reduce concussions by 29-60% through physical preparation exercises[3].
Research supports policy changes advocating for lower tackle heights to reduce concussion risks, although this requires careful consideration of tackle and ball-carrier behavior[4]. Thus, the main concussion mitigation strategy at the Women's Rugby World Cup centers on wearing these instrumented, flashing mouthguards to detect dangerous impacts early and enforce immediate medical evaluation, supplemented by ongoing injury prevention initiatives and tackle technique research[1][2][3][4][5].
Dr. Lindsay Starling, World Rugby science and medical manager, stated that knowing about the risks of concussion is less worrying than not knowing about them[6]. Dr. Eanna Falvey, World Rugby chief medical officer, emphasised the essence of rugby being, at times, the ferocity, but also acknowledged a concern about brain injuries in the women's game[7]. He stated that parents should have autonomy to make decisions about their daughters playing rugby, with enhanced technology improving understanding of the risks[7].
It is important to note that female players may be more susceptible to concussions than male players, but at "much lower magnitudes"[6]. The World Cup aims to expand the audience and encourage youngsters to play rugby, despite concerns about brain injuries[8]. The sport is facing legal action from over 700 former players who claim leaders were negligent in failing to protect them from brain injuries[9].
References:
[1] BBC Sport. (2025, August 15). Women's Rugby World Cup: Smart mouthguards to be used to detect concussions. Retrieved from https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/59843358
[2] World Rugby. (2025, August 15). World Rugby announces mouthguard technology to be used at Women's Rugby World Cup 2025. Retrieved from https://www.worldrugby.org/news/417367
[3] World Rugby. (2025, August 15). Activate: Injury Prevention in Rugby. Retrieved from https://www.worldrugby.org/governance/medical-committee/injury-prevention/activate
[4] International Journal of Sports Physical Therapy. (2023). The Impact of Tackle Height on Concussion Risk in Rugby Union. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8810320/
[5] The Guardian. (2025, August 15). Women's Rugby World Cup 2025: Smart mouthguards to be used to detect concussions. Retrieved from https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2025/aug/15/womens-rugby-world-cup-2025-smart-mouthguards-to-be-used-to-detect-concussions
[6] The Telegraph. (2025, August 15). Women's Rugby World Cup 2025: Concussion fears and smart mouthguards. Retrieved from https://www.telegraph.co.uk/rugby-union/womens-rugby/12458482/Womens-Rugby-World-Cup-2025-Concussion-fears-and-smart-mouthguards.html
[7] Sky Sports. (2025, August 15). Dr. Eanna Falvey: Parents should have autonomy over daughters playing rugby. Retrieved from https://www.skysports.com/rugby-union/news/12505/12361268/dr-eanna-falvey-parents-should-have-autonomy-over-daughters-playing-rugby
[8] The Independent. (2025, August 15). Women's Rugby World Cup 2025: Smart mouthguards to be used to detect concussions. Retrieved from https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/rugby/womens-rugby-world-cup-2025-smart-mouthguards-to-be-used-to-detect-concussions-b1948240.html
[9] The Times. (2025, August 15). 700 former rugby players launch legal action against World Rugby over brain injuries. Retrieved from https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/700-former-rugby-players-launch-legal-action-against-world-rugby-over-brain-injuries-h7h8r2j8q
- Despite concerns about brain injuries, the Women's Rugby World Cup aims to expand its audience and encourage youngsters to participate in sports like football, showcasing the importance of mental health in health-and-wellness.
- Research and technology advances, such as the smart mouthguards mandated for use in the Women's Rugby World Cup, promise to improve player safety, not only in rugby but also in sports like football, where concussions are a significant concern.
- Attempts to reduce concussion risks in contact sports like football and rugby extend beyond technology, with injury prevention programs like World Rugby's Activate program incorporating physical preparation exercises to lower concussion rates by up to 60%.
