A pioneering study at Cardiff University is set to transform our understanding of brain health in female rugby players, addressing a significant research gap in sports science. This initiative will evaluate the impact of repeated head injuries on women, a topic that has been largely overshadowed by research focused on male athletes.
The Rise of Women’s Rugby
In recent years, women’s rugby has surged in popularity, now accounting for 25% of players globally, as reported by World Rugby. Over 400 clubs have opened their doors to women and girls across the UK, a remarkable increase from the sparse offerings of the 1990s. Despite this growth, investment in research aimed at safeguarding female players has not kept pace with the sport’s development.
Cleo Pallister-Turley, a forward for Cardiff University’s women’s rugby team, expressed her passion for the sport, remarking, “I enjoy the physicality and the intensity. For me, no other sports compare.” However, she also acknowledges the concerns surrounding injuries, particularly concussions.
A Study with a Purpose
The research team at Cardiff University is working to establish the first scientifically backed head impact assessment protocol for women’s rugby. This initiative aims to illuminate the long-term risks associated with head impacts in female contact sports, an area that remains poorly understood.
Dr Peter Theobald, the lead researcher, highlighted that the current threshold for assessing head injuries in women’s rugby is set at 12% lower than that for men, signifying a dangerous oversight in gender-based sports research. “The female brain is softer and more vulnerable to concussion… what we don’t know yet is whether that translates to a greater risk of the effects of subconcussive brain injury,” he stated.
The study, titled “Towards precise brain health guidelines for women’s rugby,” encompasses a comprehensive analysis involving impact data from instrumented mouthguards, cognitive assessments, MRI scans, and advanced computer modelling. This multifaceted approach is unprecedented in the context of women’s rugby.
Unpacking the Health Risks
Previous studies have indicated that male rugby players face a 14% increased risk of chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) for each year played, along with heightened chances of dementia and other neurodegenerative diseases. In light of this, the current study’s findings may reveal equally concerning trends for female players.
Freya Butcher, a PhD student involved in the research, cautioned against simplistic solutions such as introducing helmets or altering game rules. “Women’s and men’s rugby are played quite differently, and their brains are different anyway, so looking at what happens in the men’s game doesn’t mean we understand the impact on women’s brains and bodies,” she explained.
Moreover, the study will explore additional health concerns specific to female athletes, including how menstruation influences musculoskeletal health and the impact of physical contact on breast health—issues that have historically been neglected in sports science.
A Cultural Shift in Women’s Sports
On the front lines of this research, players like Pallister-Turley and teammate Ffion James are eager to contribute to a more informed understanding of the risks involved in rugby. Despite the demands of academic life and the pressures of the rugby season, they are committed to participating in the study, viewing it as an opportunity to help shape the future of women’s sports.
“I feel like I can be part of the change. Even if it’s a small part, it’s exciting,” James remarked, looking forward to the potential impact of this research on future generations of female athletes.
As Cardiff University’s research progresses, it is anticipated that the findings will be published by the end of 2026, shedding light on crucial aspects of female rugby and potentially paving the way for safer practices in the sport.
Why it Matters
This research initiative is a significant step towards bridging the gender gap in sports science, particularly in understanding the health implications of contact sports for women. By focusing on the unique physiological differences and experiences of female athletes, the study aims not only to enhance player safety but also to encourage more women and girls to engage in rugby without fear of injury. This commitment to informed decision-making will empower future generations of female athletes, fostering an environment where they can thrive both on and off the pitch.
