Photo Post: Rugby and Concussion

Luckily, while the NBB program was taking place, simultaneously so were Rugby matches at Stad de France. We were lucky enough to attend a very important match, that even included a performance by a world renowned rockstar, MIKA. The sport was similar to American football, but there was no head padding involved. The plays were tactful and fast, and included a wrestling-like component when competing in direct contact for the ball. I was amazed by the level of injury these players endured. They never seemed to stop playing, even after being knocked to the ground, falling on their backs, getting hit in the head or body. They were extremely impervious players. We went to count how many potential concussions were endured by a single player. The numbers were dangerously high. The recurrent concussions sustained by professional rugby player may actually play a role in longterm depression and other cognitive disorders. A growing concern around neurological disorders and contacts sports has lead neuroscience research on this topic