First player banned as RFL tightens rules on late hits
Following the pre-season friendly between Leeds and Wakefield on Boxing Day, the Match Review Panel have handed out one ban to a Leeds forward.
It comes following the governing body’s continued work on concussions.
The Rugby Football League board this week accepted a recommendation from the sport’s clinical advisory group to amend the return-to-play protocols. Players who fail concussion tests during matches or training will not be permitted to play again for at least 11 days; which is up from seven.
The governing body is also amending the sentencing guidelines for foul play in 2022; with players facing stiffer punishment for striking, head-butting, kicking and late hits.
Read: Concussion protocol extended as RFL roll out three-year mouthguard project
James Donaldson receives first ban of 2022
Leeds forward James Donaldson has received a two-match penalty notice from the Match Review Panel. He was charged a Grade C Dangerous Contact from December 26.
Wakefield’s Yusuf Aydin has received a caution for Dangerous Contact.
Elsewhere in rugby league
The RFL is preparing to launch a game-wide research project to quantify head impact and acceleration exposures; with the aim of increasing understanding and reducing future risk.
It follows a pilot study when Leeds and Salford players wore instrumented mouthguards to measure head impact exposures; and how tackle technique and tackle height influence head acceleration loading.
The guards, fitted with micro-chips and relay data to touchline medical staff, have been used by Premiership rugby union clubs.
The RFL say all 12 Super League clubs are committed to working with researchers at Leeds Beckett University on the TaCKLE – Tackle and Contact Kinematics, Load and Exposure – project.
The scheme will be extended to teams from the Women’s Super League, the Under-18s academy and community clubs. More than 1,000 players will have the opportunity to take part.
Read more: Jermaine Coleman looking to form strong partnership with AFC Wimbledon