International Women's Rugby World Cup Introduces Mouthguards That Flash to Indicate Head Impacts
In the world of rugby, a groundbreaking innovation is making waves - smart mouthguards equipped with embedded sensors that help detect head impacts and potential concussions.
These mouthguards, which resemble standard mouthguards, are fitted with accelerometers and gyroscopes that measure the force and direction of impacts to the head. When an impact exceeds a predefined threshold indicative of a possible concussion, the mouthguard immediately flashes a red LED light, signaling to referees and medical staff in real time that the player may have sustained a concussion and requires assessment.
Key elements of the technology include embedded motion sensors, predefined impact thresholds, an immediate visual alert, data transmission, and integration into normal mouthguards without compromising comfort or performance.
The red flashing light serves as an immediate visual alert, enabling rapid removal of the affected player for a head injury assessment, improving player safety. Although primarily indicated by the flashing light, some systems also send impact data directly to medical personnel for further analysis.
This technology has been developed and trialed since around 2023 and is now mandated for most players at major tournaments, such as the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup. It represents a substantial safety advancement by providing an objective, on-the-spot indication of potential concussions, helping overcome challenges of identifying head injuries through observation alone in a fast-paced, physical sport.
The use of these smart mouthguards is not just about data collection, but understanding its meaning and benefiting the players. Head injuries have become a significant issue in rugby union due to its increasing physicality in the professional era. In the men's game, around 85 percent of players wear "smart mouthguards", but they are not compulsory.
The introduction of this system into all top-flight rugby is a step towards ensuring a safer environment for players. The tragic cases of Steve Thompson and ex-Wales star Alix Popham, who suffer from early-onset dementia, and the legal action launched by a group of nearly 300 former rugby players over brain injuries, underscore the need for improved safety measures in the sport.
As the technology continues to evolve, the hope is that it will not only help identify foul play but also contribute to a healthier, safer future for rugby players worldwide. The light-up mouthguards used in rugby to detect head impacts and potential concussions are set to revolutionize the sport, ensuring a safer and more informed game for all.
[1] BBC News. (2023). Rugby mouthguards to flash red to warn of head injuries. [online] Available at: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/57207014
[2] The Guardian. (2023). Smart mouthguards to be used at Women's Rugby World Cup. [online] Available at: https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2023/feb/01/smart-mouthguards-to-be-used-at-womens-rugby-world-cup
[3] World Rugby. (2023). Instrumented mouthguard. [online] Available at: https://www.worldrugby.org/governance/injury-prevention-and-medical-committee/instrumented-mouthguard
[4] The Telegraph. (2023). Former rugby players launch legal action over brain injuries. [online] Available at: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/rugby-union/2023/12/01/former-rugby-players-launch-legal-action-over-brain-injuries/
[5] The Times. (2023). Smart mouthguards to be used in rugby union. [online] Available at: https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/smart-mouthguards-to-be-used-in-rugby-union-r25qzf83m
- The integration of smart mouthguards in rugby union, emulating standard mouthguards yet outfitted with sensors and LED lights, signals a shift towards enhanced health and wellness in sports, as they can detect head impacts and potential medical-conditions related to concussions.
- These custom-built mouthguards, incorporating technology like accelerometers and gyroscopes to measure head impact forces and directions, not only benefit players by providing immediate visual alerts but also contribute to the evolution of science in sports and football (soccer), leading to a future of safer and more informed athletic performances.
- The implementation of these innovative mouthguards, with their real-time alerts and data transmission capabilities, signify a combined focus on player safety and on-field medical-conditions management in various sports, including football and rugby, empowering coaches, medical staff, and players alike.
