World Rugby has banned the use of a head guard which has been described as 'scientifically proven to provide impact protection.'
Contego Sports N-Pro, a company based in Galway, produced a piece of head gear which they claim can reduce the risk of head injuries. In a video on their website, the head equipment is described as 'the world's only head guard with medical device classification' that is 'scientifically proven to provide impact protection.'
N-Pro. The world's first #rugby head guard with medical device classification, scientifically proven to provide impact protection #NPro pic.twitter.com/P7d7zw7n9h
— N-Pro (@NProSports) November 7, 2016
World Rugby however, have released a statement, prohibiting the use of the head gear in the sport due to what they believe to be, an insufficient amount of testing in a playing environment.
N-Pro reduces impact force by 75% compared to other #rugby head guards on the market. Proven. #NPro pic.twitter.com/R23DuEW6Z5
— N-Pro (@NProSports) November 10, 2016
"World Rugby has confirmed that the Contego Sports N-Pro head guard may not be used at any level of the game as the product has not yet been independently and rigorously trialled or tested in a competition environment. It does not currently comply with World Rugby Regulation 12 or Law 4."
"Given the potential advertised player welfare benefits of the product, World Rugby is examining the possibility of implementing a controlled trial to test the product’s safety and performance independently and robustly. It is intended that data from this trial will provide evidence to allow a responsible recommendation to be made on the product’s efficacy."
"With player welfare at its heart, this is a standard process of due diligence and is implemented whenever a medical product featuring new technology has been developed. A successful outcome would result in the product being awarded the necessary ‘approved by World Rugby’ mark."
"Throughout the product’s development, the manufacturer has been aware that until such a scientific approval process has been undertaken, World Rugby cannot permit the use of the N-Pro product in competition at any level."
