The reality is growing that things can go wrong. Stories about former rugby players already going crazy at the age of 40 are no exception. They are now trying to retrieve personal injury claims from clubs and unions through court with the knowledge of today.

Leadership

So the logical question that the public is asking is whether it is wise to use a helmet. But Visser sees nothing in it. “Rugby is a physical game, but it’s also technical. You can’t play internationally without being technically strong.”

“If you look at the number of interventions, contact points and the number of injuries they cause, rugby is just a very safe sport. Especially at the highest level.”

Van den Berg does not see the use of the helmet as a solution. “That has a much bigger effect. Then you also have to adjust everything for the receiving party and that will be more American football. Studies from that sport also show that there are many brain concussions.”

“It’s a gymnastics.”

Rugby remains a physical game and you should have that realization according to Timmer. “Ultimately you will play gymnastics and you know that it is not good for your body. In boxing you also know that you will be hit. If you do not want to do that then you better play football.”