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Concussion crisis

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Jack Fitzpatrick in his Demons playing days.

Legal action against AFL grows with 10 more clubs named as defendants

Eight new players have joined the multimillion-dollar concussion class action led by former Geelong star Max Rooke against the AFL, and 10 new clubs have been named.

  • Jon Pierik

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Max Rooke and former Cats coach Mark Thompson after the 2009 AFL grand final.

The significant step in ‘billion-dollar’ class action against the AFL, Cats

The landmark action against the AFL, led by a two-time premiership star and which now involves more than 100 players, took a big step forward on Tuesday.

  • Jon Pierik and Peter Ryan
Ben Donaldson missed the start of the Force’s win after requiring a HIA in the warm-up.

Wallaby the guinea pig in Super Rugby’s new pre-game concussion protocol

As part of a new trial following the sickening Eli Katoa incident last year, Ben Donaldson missed the kick-off of a Super Rugby game after an incident in the warm-up.

  • Iain Payten
Despite passing all his concussion tests post-match, Welch said the “really tough” call was made to pull him from game two in 2020.

After eight concussions, a Maroon retired at 30. Now new headgear offers hope to others

An eighth head knock was the last straw for one player, but a new trial of revolutionary headgear could enable others to kick on.

  • Nick Wright
Manly’s Trbojevic is trialling the Gamegear helmet during the pre-season.

The revolutionary headgear that could be a game-changer in fight against concussion

The developers of the Gamegear helmet, which Manly’s Jake Trbojevic will wear during pre-season, believe it can drastically reduce the effects of head impacts – and will invest $1m in a trial to prove it.

  • Robert Dillon
Wallabies tackle

Could this memorable shot in a thrilling Wallabies win be a penalty in the future?

World Rugby will lower the legal tackle height to the sternum in a major underage world tournament next year. And the professional game could follow.

  • Iain Payten
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Eli Katoa’s career is under a cloud after suffering a spate of head knocks playing for Tonga last month.

NRL proposes heavy bans for Tonga staff after Katoa concussion drama

Tonga’s team doctor, assistant doctor and a trainer are facing extended time out of the game for their handling of Eli Katoa’s head knocks last month.

  • Dan Walsh
Eli Katoa is helped from the field after a head knock while playing for Tonga.

‘Incredibly concerning’: Players covering up concussions at training, poll reveals

Nearly two thirds of NRL players continued to train after experiencing a suspected concussion, according to a Rugby League Players’ Association poll.

  • Adrian Proszenko
Eli Katoa is helped from the field after a head knock while playing for Tonga.

NRL set to clear Tonga coach over Katoa injuries

Heavy sanctions will be handed out to several Tonga medical staff when the NRL reveals the findings of its investigation this week.

  • Christian Nicolussi and Dan Walsh
Eli Katoa leaves the field on Sunday.

Where sports have a duty of care, it must override the desire for personal autonomy

There aren’t many sports that don’t carry an element of danger. Recent examples highlight the need for safety precautions to be mandated rather than recommended.

  • Darren Kane