What happens when rugby players experience concussion symptoms but never report them? This episode examines the largest study ever conducted on community rugby concussion patterns, revealing shocking rates of hidden brain injuries among grassroots players. We explore why players with previous concussions become the most dangerous risk group, the critical gap between elite and community-level medical support, and the cultural factors driving dangerous silence about neurological symptoms. Essential listening for coaches, players, and parents who want to understand the true scope of rugby's invisible epidemic and the evidence-based interventions that could prevent long-term brain damage at the community level.

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Wittmer, R., Buckley, T. A., Swanik, C. B., Costantini, K. M., Ryan, L., Daly, E., King, R. E., Daniels, A. J., & Hunzinger, K. J. (2025). Unrecognized and Unreported Concussions Among Community Rugby Players. Sports, 13(8), 278. https://doi.org/10.3390/sports13080278