England hooker Jamie George says he feels 'very safe' as a professional rugby player, marking a dramatic shift from when he started his career. A new BBC documentary fronted by former teammate Ben Youngs examines how the sport's approach to head collisions has evolved in recent years.

George, 35, credits improved medical protocols and changing player attitudes for the enhanced safety. 'If you asked me that question 15 years ago, I'd probably give you a different answer,' he told BBC Sport. The documentary highlights measures including 'smart' gumshields that measure impact forces, pitchside doctors, mandatory assessments, and stand-down periods for diagnosed concussions.

While a group of former players pursue legal action claiming authorities failed to protect their brain health, current players like George and Saracens teammate Ben Earl express confidence in current protocols. Earl said he's 'never once felt like I've been managed poorly' and that medical staff sometimes hold players back even when they feel ready to return. George added he'd be comfortable letting his two-year-old daughter play rugby if she chose to, reflecting the current generation's trust in the sport's safety measures.