Pioneering study aims to find out how repeated blows to head in women’s rugby affects brain
A groundbreaking study at Cardiff University aims to investigate the effects of repeated head impacts on women's rugby players. The research seeks to establish a head impact assessment protocol specifically for women, addressing a significant gender gap in sports safety research. The findings, expected by the end of 2026, will provide insights into the long-term risks associated with female contact sports.
- ▪The study is the first to combine impact data, cognitive tests, MRI scans, and computer modeling on female rugby players.
- ▪Current protocols for assessing head injuries in women's rugby are based on lower thresholds than those for men, highlighting a research gap.
- ▪The goal of the study is to inform players about the risks of concussion without discouraging participation in the sport.
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Abby Dow of England clashes heads with McKenzie Hawkins of the US as Bulou Mataitoga of the US makes a tackle during the Women's Rugby World Cup 2025. Photograph: Tom Jenkins/The GuardianView image in fullscreenAbby Dow of England clashes heads with McKenzie Hawkins of the US as Bulou Mataitoga of the US makes a tackle during the Women's Rugby World Cup 2025. Photograph: Tom Jenkins/The GuardianSports sciencePioneering study aims to find out how repeated blows to head in women’s rugby affects brainRisk of CTE in men’s sports has been widely studied, but female brains are softer and more vulnerableBethan McKernan Wales correspondentSun 24 May 2026 02.00 EDTLast modified on Sun 24 May 2026 02.01 EDTSharePrefer the Guardian on GoogleCleo Pallister-Turley, a back for Cardiff university’s…
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