In recent years, professional rugby has seen an alarming number of players forced to end their careers early. The reason: the lasting effects of concussions. The taboo is starting to break. Medical teams are growing, concussion protocols are becoming routine, and players are finally speaking out.
But far from the big budgets of the Top 14, far from video referees and giant screens, are amateur players truly aware of the danger? Every weekend, 360,000 of them take to the pitch with passion — and just as many risk damaging their brains.
My name is Lucie, and I started playing rugby when I was 13. I’ve had my share of injuries. I treated them, then got back on the field. But after the four concussions I suffered, I always returned far too soon. I never saw a doctor. I never worried. Today, I have no lasting effects. I’m lucky.
I’m a journalist, and I want to tell you how many of us underestimate head trauma. I want to tell you the stories of those who weren’t so lucky — those who took a second hit, one right after another. I want to tell you about the hesitant progress, the collective denial, and the culture of sacrifice that still puts our brains on the line.