The Women’s Six Nations tournament is gaining more attention than ever, with larger crowds and increased media coverage. However, along with the rise in popularity of high-impact sports like rugby, comes an increased risk of brain injury.
The tragic story of Siobhan Cattigan serves as a stark reminder of the dangers associated with sports like rugby. Her family watched as she suffered from mental health deterioration before eventually passing away at the young age of 26 due to brain injuries sustained while playing rugby.
Concerns about sport-related brain injuries have been raised for nearly a century, but attention is now shifting to long-term issues such as Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE). As women’s participation in rugby and other impact sports continues to grow, there are concerns about the potential risks involved.
Inequalities in accessing resources and medical care for sportswomen have been highlighted as a contributing factor to the higher risk of brain injuries. The professionalisation of women’s rugby has also been linked to an increased risk of brain injuries for women and girls.
Currently, over 450 current and former rugby players are taking legal action against rugby organisations for negligence in protecting them from brain injuries. Despite this, there is a lack of formal recognition by rugby organising bodies of the link between the sport and the increased risk of CTE.
As the push for gender equality in high-impact sports continues, there are calls for reflection on the true costs involved. The safety and well-being of athletes must be prioritised, and measures must be taken to reduce the risk of brain injuries in sports like rugby.
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