The New Zealand Rugby Players Association (NZRPA), New Zealand Rugby (NZR) and World Rugby have today launched a new Brain Health Service to support former and current professional and first-class players in New Zealand.
New Zealand is the first to launch this new initiative for both current and former professional and first-class players. The Brain Health Service has also been launched in South Africa, Wales, Ireland and Australia, focusing on elite former players.
Players who access the service will be asked to complete an online questionnaire, followed by an online assessment with a neuropsychologist.
The combined assessment will note players’ brain health status, alongside an education component on how to manage any risks and recommend any follow-up specialist care if required. The assessment report will then be forwarded to players’ primary health care person, such as a General Practitioner, where further support can be explored.
The Brain Health Service has been developed using independent and scientifically proven examination techniques. Players who access the service, which is funded by World Rugby, will be provided with the most up-to-date advice to ensure they can make informed decisions about their brain health.
The service is available for players who have played professional and/or first-class rugby in New Zealand including players who are now playing overseas or have retired.
Any interested eligible player can access the service here: Brain Health Service - World Rugby
Rob Nichol, CEO, NZRPA said: “It’s great to get this service up and running. It not only allows players to access independent specialist assessment, advice and support on their brain health, but it includes a general health screening component as well which is also super valuable.
“This innovative tool forms part of a suite of services the NZRPA has available to the professional players. The Brain Health Service empowers players to take control of their holistic well-being and brain health, cutting through the noise and providing an evidence-based framework that includes access to personalised specialist advice and support. For players who take up this opportunity, it will provide peace of mind, create a baseline for future assessments, and if required connect them to the medical and lifestyle advice they need.”
Karen Rasmussen, NZR Medical Manager added: "Providing current and former players with access to independent, specialist brain health assessments is an important step in supporting their long-term wellbeing. It was one of the many initiatives from our recently launched Brain Health and Concussion Risk Management Plan, which is focused on prevention, early intervention and sustained care. We’re proud to partner with the NZRPA and World Rugby on this initiative, which reflects our collective commitment to player welfare."
World Rugby Deputy Chief Medical Officer Dr Martin Raftery said: “We are delighted to welcome New Zealand into the group of nations offering players the World Rugby Brain Health Service. We are particularly excited that the service is being offered to current players for the first time. Not only will this development be able to provide support for players at the earliest opportunity, it will also mean the service has a baseline assessment to better support players in future years.
“Player welfare is World Rugby’s number one priority, and this service supports and better informs players about looking after their brain health. Everyone who uses the World Rugby Brain Health Service, the first tool of its kind provided by an international federation, will come out armed with the facts about their own personal situation and what the research tells us are the most effective ways to stay healthier. I’d encourage anyone interested to sign up via the New Zealand Rugby Player Association.”
