The reflection of World Rugby (the international federation) was already started before the legal actions of a number of former players suffering from neurological after-effects at the end of their careers.
The latest to reveal this suffering is ex-All Blacks mainstay Carl Hayman.
Revelations that legitimately raise compassion and concern.
And have accelerated the awareness of the umbrella body of world rugby.
Which, over the past two years, has carried out numerous studies and seminars to put in place a first package of concrete measures.
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Certain rules have been modified to limit violent collisions, in particular in the ground game (rucks) and, in particular, offensive supports;
Zero tolerance was demanded from the referees;
And new changes are currently being tested in different championships to judge their relevance before imposing the most effective ones on the whole Oval Planet.
“There are more and more penalties for dangerous behavior.
There is real awareness and we are on the right track.
"
Gael Fickou
This focus now firmly established tends to reassure current players.
Thus, this Wednesday in Marcoussis, François Cros agreed to discuss his position.
“I saw the news about Carl (Hayman).
It is a sensitive subject in the world of rugby, ”confirms the third row of Stade Toulousain and the XV of France.
“But things are being put in place by World Rugby to limit concussions as much as possible.
With adjustments to the rules, in particular to the supports.
"
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An awareness also noticed by Gaël Fickou.
“We must not deny the problems at the level of knockouts.
There will always be some because rugby is a combat sport, warns the Racing 92 and XV de France center.
But the many new rules are starting to pay off.
Our sport really emphasizes this danger.
We see it every weekend.
There are more and more penalties for dangerous behavior.
There is real awareness and we are on the right track.
"
“
I put on a helmet to reassure my mom.
"
Francois Cros
Renowned for his presence in hot spots and his activity as a defender, François Cros mentions another avenue to avoid concussions.
“If I start to think about it before each impact… To minimize the risk, I work a lot on my tackle technique.
By doing the right thing, we avoid this kind of problem.
However, he wears a helmet on the field.
The sign of a concern?
“My helmet is more of a match routine.
I don't wear it in training anyway.
He hesitates before adding.
"It's more to reassure my mom ..." A confession immediately accompanied by an embarrassed laugh.
