Former Ireland international David Irwin and a group of ex-players are pushing for rugby to become a safer game amid growing concerns about head injuries. The issue gained prominence following Ben Youngs' BBC documentary, which highlighted the long-term risks of concussions and sub-concussive injuries.

Irwin, who served as Ulster's team doctor for 29 years, notes that the shift from amateur to professional rugby has led to bigger, stronger players and more massive collisions. While Head Injury Assessment protocols have improved player safety over the past 15-20 years, Irwin argues the current attritional, multi-phase style of play continues to increase concussion risks.

Former Ireland international Luke Marshall, who suffered 15 concussions during his career, praises Ireland's Garry Ringrose for withdrawing from a Lions Test due to symptoms, calling it brave and setting a positive example. Meanwhile, former player Kenny Hooks warns that at grassroots level, the sport faces challenges with declining participation due to injury concerns and the perception that players must be huge to succeed.