Last April, Sébastien Chabal, victim of serious losses of memory, denounced the ravages of concussion in rugby. A few weeks later, in May, Romanesque, a female international, was to give up her World Cup dream, for the same reason. Today in The worldthe 29 -year -old sportswoman with 67 selections, returns to this type of injury that is obviously better to accompany.
A “blow” brought to the career and the health of players of all levels
The subject of concussion in rugby is not new. For the past few years, voices have been raised to report this injury that is unlike any other on the ground.
“Repeated head shocks increase the risk of long -term neurological disorders: chronic migraines, decrease in cognitive capacities, depressive states, even neurodegenerative diseases” Confirms Dr. Gérald Kierzek, Medical Director of True Medical.
Sometimes irreversible neurological consequences
Sometimes with dramas. 2 days ago, Shane Christie, a former All Black, victim of multiple concussion and suffering from chronic traumatic encephalopathy put an end to his life. He couldn’t bear his condition anymore.
To avoid this, and take care of players, a protocol has existed since 2012, regularly improved, which aims to check the repercussions of concussions on the ground, outside, and in the days that follow. And give if necessary the prohibition to play.
Why the players are even more exposed than men
But to think that this risk is a little less important, and shocks a little less “violent” among sportsmen is a mistake. Brain stews do damage to players. Dangers already denounced in 2023 by player Sarah Chlagou and today by Romane household.
“Concreases in rugby players are far from a trivial phenomenon. Several recent studies show that women are more exposed and often take more time to recover than male rugby, with a risk of persistent symptoms several months after the shock” continues Dr. Kierzek.
Amateur rugby: insufficient follow -up in the face of a real risk
History of concussions increase the probability of undergoing new ones and aggravating the consequences. “”Even in amateur rugby, vigilance must be maximum, because “return to play” too quickly exposes to cumulative neurological risks, still too underestimated in sport “.
And the problem is all the more significant as women’s rugby is still in large amateur part. “”I am lucky as a professional, to be well surrounded, by my family and my club. To be oriented towards the right people directly “ admits Romane spares in an interview. But in a sport combining some professional players with many amateurs, support and resources are still very unequal. “There is a lot of work to do especially in women’s rugby” she defends.
An awareness necessary for the French International which recalls that “A brain is not like a crossed ligament or an ankle, it does not repair with an operation.”