New junior rugby headgear aims to keep our tamariki safer

A new piece of protective headgear is being rolled out across junior rugby grades, with supporters calling it a “game-changer” for keeping tamariki safe on the field.

Sports scientists say the lighter, more flexible design reduces the impact of knocks and tackles something many whānau have been pushing for as concussion rates rise.

Rugby holds deep whakapapa for Māori, and coaches say anything that helps keep young players confident and protected is a win for the whole community. Many clubs with large Māori participation have already signed up to trial the gear over the summer training period.

While it won’t prevent all head injuries, experts say it could reduce the severity of hits and help kids stay in the game longer.

Several iwi-based sports trusts are now considering subsidising the headgear to remove cost barriers for low-income whānau.

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