The Science of the Brain: Preventing Rugby Head Injury | ForceField

In the high-impact sport of rugby, the term rugby head injury is more than just a statistic. Concussion, head-trauma and cumulative micro-impacts have become critical topics for players, coaches and sports-med professionals alike. According to research, even “non-concussive” impacts in rugby may lead to changes in brain structure and function over time.

At ForceField, our mission is to reduce the risk of head injury in contact sports by leveraging science, prevention and body-brain integration. By focusing not only on external protection (tackling technique, headgear, laws) but also on the internal systems of the body and brain, we believe safer rugby is built from the inside out.

Rugby isn’t just about power. It’s about presence. These young players are learning to harness their breath to focus, recover, and play with clarity, on and off the pitch

Here is what the latest science reveals and how you can use that knowledge to help prevent rugby head injury.

Why Brain Science Matters in Rugby

Rugby subjects players to repeated collisions, sudden decelerations, and rapid changes of direction, all of which place stress on the head, neck, and brain. A 2019 study during the Rugby World Cup found 22 match concussions among top-level players, and nearly half of training injuries during that period were serious muscle/tendon or joint injuries, signalling how much head injury shares risk factors with wider body injury.

But beyond the immediate effects, long-term brain health is now in focus. For example, a 2025 study of former elite rugby players found that self-reported concussion history correlated with worse cognitive performance.

What does this mean for prevention? It means that preventing rugby head injury isn't just about reducing big hits. It is about training the body-brain system to tolerate, adapt, and recover from the myriad stresses that lead up to a concussion or brain disruption.

Head & Neck Mechanics: Core to Brain Protection

One of the most consistent findings in recent research is the role of neck strength and head-control mechanics in reducing head injury risk. A study found that a self-resisted neck-strengthening programme improved neck strength in age-grade rugby players and suggested that stronger neck musculature is associated with lower incidence of head and neck injuries.

Similarly, researchers at Griffith University highlighted that weaker neck strength is a risk factor for concussion and high-impact events in rugby union and league.

These findings underscore an important internal prevention tool: strong neck and core stability improves the head’s ability to resist acceleration and deceleration forces, thus reducing the strain on the brain. At ForceField, we integrate neck-core-breath control into our training models precisely for this reason.

Neural Strain and Brain Biomechanics

While soft-shell headgear and equipment changes get attention, the science around brain biomechanics is evolving rapidly. A review of soft-shell rugby headgear concluded there is wide variation in understanding of its protective value and no consensus that headgear alone significantly reduces concussion risk.

More advanced studies using brain-strain models (e.g., deep-learning simulations of impact) show that rotational velocity and strain on internal brain regions matter more than simply linear acceleration. For example, a 2024 model mapped regional brain strain and assessed how different headgear performed under laboratory conditions.

This indicates that prevention strategies must go beyond equipment and laws. They must address how the brain and body respond to impacts. Improving neural resilience, enhancing recovery, and reducing fatigue are part of what ForceField programme is focused on.

Strength meets stillness. This player holds a Power Wave building shoulder and core strength while finding rhythm through steady breath. Control the breath, control the game. 🏉

Cognitive Health & Recovery: The Hidden Layer

Cognitive resilience is another critical facet. Repeated head trauma in rugby doesn’t always result in a diagnosed concussion, yet studies show long-term changes in brain structure and function.

Services from World Rugby now indicate around 25% of former players assessed are at risk of cognitive issues. What this means for prevention is that training must include brain health and recovery practices, not just physical drills.

At ForceField, we emphasise breath-led nervous-system regulation, brain-body coordination and recovery strategies. By building in protocols for down-regulation and neural repair, the aim is to reduce the cumulative stress that can lead to a rugby head injury.

Integrating Science into Practice: ForceField’s Approach

So how does all this translate into practical steps on the training field? At ForceField we integrate the science into daily routines and culture:

Neck-Core-Breath Stability

Combining neck strengthening, core activation and breath control prepares athletes to better absorb head-impact forces and maintain head-neck-spine alignment during contact.

Breath & Nervous-System Regulation

Our programme includes breathwork (e.g., elongated exhale, controlled inhalation) to stabilise the nervous system before intense play, improving decision-making, reflexes and internal regulation as much as external technique.

Brain-Load Management

Training plans are designed with cognitive and neural fatigue in mind. We encourage routines that allow neural rest, recovery and recalibration, reducing the risk of neural overload which contributes to head-injury vulnerability.

Awareness of Sub-Concussive Load

With research showing that even subconcussive hits matter, we emphasise monitoring workload, contact exposure and cumulative stress. Smart mouthguard technology is now being introduced by World Rugby for in-game alerts.

Educational Culture & Habit

Education is key. Players who understand how the brain works, why neck control matters, and how recovery supports brain health are more likely to adopt safer behaviours. ForceField’s modules emphasise awareness and proactivity.

Practical Strategies for Preventing Rugby Head Injury

Here are evidence-based strategies you can implement:

Neck Strength Routine (3 × weekly):

Include self-resisted isometric neck flexion, extension and lateral flexion for 2-3 minutes as warm-up. Studies show this improves strength and correlates with fewer concussion-type injuries.

Pre-match Breath Regulation Drill:

Use a 4-second inhale, 8-second exhale routine for 3 minutes pre-game to stabilise nervous system and improve cognitive readiness.

Head-Position Awareness Training:

Practice drills focusing on chin-tuck, neutral spine, and visual engagement. Good technique helps reduce head velocity and risk of injury when collisions occur.

Post-Match Neural Recovery:

Use breath-led cooling, light motion and mindfulness to reset brain function and ease recovery load.

Track Workload & Contact Exposure:

Use data or self-assessment to monitor cumulative contact and micro-impacts. Lowering excessive load can reduce risk of brain strain. For example, studies show even non-concussive hits affect brain health.

The Takeaway: Smarter Protection for the Brain

Preventing a rugby head injury isn’t just about better tackling or stronger helmets. It is about training the brain-body system to respond, adapt and recover. Strengthening the neck, controlling the breath, supporting neural recovery and raising awareness are all part of this holistic approach.

ForceField’s science-led strategy is built around exactly this: embedding brain health, neural regulation and body-awareness into rugby training so players perform at their best without compromising long-term brain and body resilience.

In rugby, the smartest players don’t just protect their bodies. They protect their brains. With the right tools, training and mindset, safer play starts from the inside out.