Yesterday lunchtime, in Port Lympia Nice, we met a proud Scotsman called Donny McIntyre who is doing a fantastic thing in memory of his friend's son, Ben Robinson.

Ben tragically died 13 years ago, aged only 14 years, after suffering a brain injury following 3 concussions during one school rugby match, in which he remained on the pitch.

Donny & his Scottish pals have gone to the rugby world cup to spread the word "IF IN DOUBT, SIT THEM OUT." Ben's father Peter started a campaign over 10 years ago to raise awareness of concussion and for young sportsmen to be better protected from brain injuries.

In May this year, the NSPCC issued New concussion guidance: 'If in doubt, sit them out' - Please click here.

In April, Progressive Rugby also wrote about grassroots sports in the UK for the first time aligning welfare guidelines to help with the identification, management and prevention of concussion - please click here.

Recognised as one of the UK’s leading concussion awareness and education resources, Holt RFC supports the RFU’s HEADCASE programme which aims to increase understanding and provide information on concussion and other related topics, including how to prevent and manage suspected concussions - Please click here.

Also, on 31 July this year, Holt RFC announced we were delighted to become the first club in the UK to join HEADCHECK, providing state of the art concussion and injury management to our players - Please click here.

Quoting our Head of Medical Services Graham Ilsley:-

“We’re always looking at new ways of being better and enhancing how we look after our players at Holt. We have a fantastic set up and great support from the committee in being able to achieve this. We’re a strong grassroots rugby club with over 100 adult players alone and a thriving youth and minis section who will be filtering through over the years to come.

The HEADCHECK platform is fantastic, and they have been able to implement all the required return to play guidelines and assessments we need. Having this allows us to bring cutting edge technology into grassroots concussion management and ensure that our players get the best care and treatment possible”.

On hearing of this story, Director of Junior Rugby & Youth Chairman, Nev Drewry said:-

"At Holt RFC we have always taken head injuries and concussion very seriously, encouraging all coaches, parents and players to complete the RFU Headcase course every season as a refresher just to keep raising awareness. No child likes being told they must come off or sit out for a few weeks and follow the RFU return to play protocol but, in comparison to the possible consequences as poor Ben's story tells, it is crucial action to take. There has been a lot of negative press about rugby and sports in general in regards to head injuries, but we want parents that entrust Holt RFC to coach their children to know we as a club will always do everything to ensure the wellbeing of their child."

If you have any queries about anything in this article, please ask Graham Ilsley, Head of Medical Services by clicking to email medical@holtrfc.com