Rugby players who suffer a blow to the head should report it immediately so that they can be properly assessed for conscussion, the Irish Rugby Football Union (IRFU) has said.

Concussion is a traumatic brain injury, which results in temporary impairment of brain function. Visible signs can include lying motionless on the ground, being slow to get back up, being unsteady on the feet, displaying balance problems, confusion and having a dazed or vacant look.

The IRFU has launched a new guide aimed at educating players, coaches, officials and parents on the dangers of concussion. It emphasised that ignoring symptoms and continuing to train or play can be dangerous, and in some rare instances, fatal.

The guide advises players to be honest with themselves and medical staff when reporting symptoms and contains four simple, yet essential, messages:

-Stop - a player with suspected concussion should be removed from the field immediately and should not return to play until the issue is resolved
-Inform - a player should inform their coach, team medic, teammate, friend or family member so that they can be properly assessed. They should not be left alone or left to drive a vehicle
-Rest - a player with concussion must undertake a mandatory rest period as per IRFU guidelines. For example, children and teenagers must have a minimum rest period of 14 days after a concussion
-Return - a player with concussion must follow the IRFU Graduated Return to Play protocols. They must be medically cleared before returning to play.

The new guide also contains a ‘concussion recognition tool' that lists signs and symptoms. This can also be downloaded here

According to the IRFU's head of medical services, Dr Rod McLoughlin, concussion ‘must be taken seriously from the outset'.

"We are adopting a zero tolerance approach to concussion or suspected concussion in an attempt to dispel the myth of a 'knock to the head' or a 'minor concussion'. If a player is suspected of being concussed they must be removed from training or the field of play, and not return until proper Graduated Return to Play guidelines have been observed," he explained.

He called for the guide to be displayed in ‘every rugby school and club in Ireland, to ensure more people recognise concussion and take action to reduce the risk of serious injury'.