France v South Africa

Charles Ollivon of France, Cheslin Kolbe of South Africa during the Autumn Nations Series international test match between France and South Africa (Springboks) at Velodrome stadium on November 12, 2022 in Marseille, France. (Photo by Jean Catuffe/Getty Images)

Will the Bomb Squad be defused by CTE safety concerns?

Former professional rugby player, Alix Popham speaking to The Economist on CTE noted that using a “bomb squad” may increase health risks.

France v South Africa

Charles Ollivon of France, Cheslin Kolbe of South Africa during the Autumn Nations Series international test match between France and South Africa (Springboks) at Velodrome stadium on November 12, 2022 in Marseille, France. (Photo by Jean Catuffe/Getty Images)

Alix Popham, a Welsh former professional rugby player spoke to The Economist for a podcast about chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) which is a brain condition thought to be linked to repeated head injuries and blows to the head.

He noted that bringing large freshmen, such as the Springboks “Bomb Squad”, onto the field to face tired bodies may increase long-term health risks to players’ brains.

ALSO READ: Dementia study: 120 retired footballers to be recruited for new research

The dangers of getting your head into a contact sport

American Football and soccer, boxing, ice hockey, rugby, and all other sports where participants are at risk of head injuries are currently under investigation. Only in retirement are sportspeople diagnosed with chronic traumatic encephalopathy. How many head injuries are too many? No one knows yet. Perhaps even one concussion may be problematic.

The Mayo Clinic notes. “Some signs and symptoms of CTE are thought to include difficulties with thinking (cognition) and emotions, physical problems, and other behaviours. It’s thought that these develop years to decades after head trauma occurs.”

ALSO READ: Rugby schedule got you confused? Here’s a breakdown

Is the Bomb Squad dangerous?

Alix Popham thinks they might be. Substitutions are for injuries. Rather than a combination of strategy and injury. This would allow players to be playing at an equitable energy level throughout the game.

He name-checked the Springboks whose Bomb Squad, a legal and strategic plan, may have unintended long-term health consequences.

ALSO READ: Rugby players send brain injuries claim letter to governing bodies

Other changes?

Debates constantly rage about safer alternatives. Significantly, lowering tackle height has been one change. Firstly, is the recommended height objective? Secondly, do players and refs need a visual representation of when a tackle is legal? Next, should World rugby make rulings more objective and limit confusion by adding lines to kits?

Also, many leagues are attempting to find advantageous and risk-reducing rule changes. Could banning the Bomb Squad be one of them?

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE ARTICLES BY ZAREENA GAIBEE