What we do

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Injury Prevention

At New Zealand Rugby, we are dedicated to implementing best practices and research-informed injury prevention programs to reduce the incidence and severity of concussions.

Education & Training

We believe that education is key to concussion prevention and management. Our comprehensive training programs ensure that all stakeholders, including players, coaches, referees, and parents, are well-informed about the risks, causes, and effects of concussions.

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Injury Management

In the event of a concussion, we have established robust support systems and processes at all levels of the game. We are committed to providing our players with the support they need to ensure a safe and successful recovery.

Research & Monitoring

New Zealand Rugby, in collaboration with the New Zealand Rugby Players' Association (NZRPA) and the New Zealand Rugby Foundation (NZRF), is at the forefront of concussion research and its application to risk management. Our commitment to research allows us to continuously evolve our concussion prevention and management practices.

Communication

We maintain open, honest, and informative communication with all stakeholders and participants regarding concussion prevention, management, and research. We deliver targeted campaigns throughout the year to ensure that we are changing behaviours around concussion.

Blue Cards

The Blue Card protocol is a crucial aspect of our concussion management strategy in community rugby. If a referee identifies any player showing signs of concussion, they will issue a Blue Card, requiring the player to be immediately removed from the field. The player must then follow a graduated return to play process, ensuring a safe and monitored recovery before returning to full contact rugby.

RugbySmart & Small Blacks Courses

All registered coaches in New Zealand are required to complete the RugbySmart or Small Blacks Course, which emphasises player safety. This mandatory training ensures that coaches are well-equipped with the knowledge and skills to create a safe playing environment, minimise injury risks, and respond appropriately to concussion incidents

Tackle Clinic & Scrum Factory

Proper technique is essential for reducing concussion risks. The Tackle Clinic focuses on teaching players how to correctly position their heads when making safe and effective tackles. Similarly, the Scrum Factory emphasises maintaining a strong and safe body position during scrummaging. These initiatives help players develop the necessary skills to minimise head impacts and enhance overall safety.

ACC & NZR Partnership

New Zealand Rugby has a long-standing and valued partnership with the Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC) spanning over two decades. This collaboration focuses on education and injury prevention initiatives. Through our combined efforts, we have achieved a significant reduction in playing injuries, particularly serious spinal injuries, demonstrating our commitment to player welfare.

Game Innovations

We constantly explore ways to make rugby safer and more enjoyable for all participants. Each year, New Zealand Rugby and the Provincial Unions introduce or trial new laws in the community game aimed at increasing safety. For example, reducing the tackle height below the sternum has been positively received by players, as it contributes to a safer and more enjoyable playing experience.

Graduated Return to Play (GRTP)

We prioritise player safety by enforcing a mandatory 21-day stand-down period for all community and school rugby players following a head injury. During this time, players must adhere to a graduated return to play process, which involves a step-by-step progression from rest to full contact. This approach ensures that players are fully recovered before returning to competition.

Small Blacks Development Model

The Small Blacks Development Model is designed to introduce children to rugby in a safe and fun environment. Young players gradually learn new skills, with contact carefully introduced at appropriate stages. Non-contact versions of the game are available for all ages, allowing children to enjoy the benefits of rugby while minimising injury risks.

Research

New Zealand Rugby and the Provincial Unions are committed to advancing concussion research to make the game as safe as possible. We actively participate in world-leading studies, such as the use of smart mouthguards, to better understand the forces involved in head impacts. By staying at the forefront of research, we can continue to develop evidence-based strategies to enhance player safety.

The First Aid in Rugby (FAIR)

The First Aid in Rugby (FAIR) courses are open to anyone involved in community rugby. These World Rugby-recognised courses provide participants with advanced skills to promptly assist an injured player on the field. By equipping our rugby community with essential first aid knowledge, we can ensure that players receive immediate and appropriate care in the event of an injury.

New Zealand Rugby Foundation

For nearly 40 years, the New Zealand Rugby Foundation has been a pillar of support for players who suffer life-changing injuries. In partnership with New Zealand Rugby, the foundation provides comprehensive assistance to affected players and their families, ensuring they receive the necessary care, resources, and support to navigate the challenges they face.

Rugby Development Officers

Provincial Unions employ experienced and qualified Rugby Development Officers (RDOs) who work closely with community coaches in their region. RDOs place a strong emphasis on proper technique and safety, providing guidance and support to coaches to create a safe and enjoyable rugby environment for all participants.