A player is tackled in training. Credit: University of Essex

Grassroots rugby concussion guidelines need to be improved as players' brains remain altered despite them being symptom-free and cleared to play, researchers have found.

The University of Essex is the first to follow an amateur club across a grueling 22-game season using brain imaging technology.

The study led by Dr. Ben Jones found seven out of eight concussed players still had abnormal brain responses 25 days after injury—despite feeling well enough to return to the field under Rugby Football Union clearance protocols.

The paper, published in Sports Medicine-Open involved 67 participants—41 rugby players and 26 non-players.

Working with Colchester Rugby Club and wearable tech company PhysiGo, Dr. Jones used functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) to study brain activity.

In total, eight concussions were captured and monitored by Dr. Jones and his team across the 41 players studied.

Nearly all showed brain activity changes that were above normal readings—and didn't return to normal before the end of the World Rugby Graduated Return to play protocol.

Dr. Jones, a former England 7's international who also played for Northampton Saints and Worcester Warriors, has called for current guidelines to be revised to improve player safety.

"This study shows that the current protocols are limited and may not be enough on its own for effective concussion recovery, " said Dr. Jones.

Dr. Ben Jones interviews a player. Credit: University of Essex

"Our research suggests more individualized approaches utilizing personalized concussion monitoring using tools like fNIRS could improve player safety.

"Rugby has given me so much and this research is not about ruining the game for the millions of players worldwide.

"This research should ensure the long-term safety of the grassroots players—who are rugby's lifeblood."

His thoughts were echoed by PhysiGo's Dr. Jay Perrett: "The study shows that the community game needs cost-effective solutions for players and clubs to measure concussive and rotational force (whiplash) events and assist in the monitoring of their recovery."

Baseline fNIRS tests of all participants were taken at the beginning, middle, and end of the season.

A player takes part in pre-season training. Credit: University of Essex

A player's brain is examined. Credit: University of Essex

As they recovered, their brains were monitored while they completed simple cognitive tasks like Where's Waldo puzzles.

Dr. Jones hopes brain imaging could be incorporated into concussion protocols to help protect players.

Colchester Rugby Club is continuing to work with Dr. Jones and his team, with the study being expanded to the women's team.

Club chairman Karl O'Brien said, "It has been great to work with Dr. Jones on this groundbreaking study and has been a real learning experience for the players and the club.

"The lessons learnt are something that the club and the club's medical team have benefited from and will continue to do so over the coming seasons."

More information: Ben Jones et al, Correction: Cerebral Haemodynamic Assessment Following Sport-related Concussion (Mild Traumatic Brain Injury) in Youth and Amateur Rugby Union Players, Sports Medicine - Open (2025). DOI: 10.1186/s40798-025-00866-1