NZR welcomes new research into the long-term brain health of high-level players

NZR welcomes new research into the long-term brain health of high-level players

New Zealand Rugby (NZR) and the New Zealand Rugby Foundation welcome the release of a major University of Auckland-led study examining the long-term brain health of former high-level male rugby players. 
Published today in Sports Medicine, the study is part of Kumanu Tāngata: The Aftermatch Project a research project designed to explore the long-term health and social outcomes of high-level male rugby players in Aotearoa New Zealand.  

Researchers analysed the health records of 12,861 men who played at provincial level or higher between 1950 and 2000, comparing them with 2.39 million men from the general population matched by age, ethnicity, and birthplace.  

The research shows that about 5 in every 100 men in the general population had developed a neurodegenerative disease by the end of the research follow-up period. This was closer to 6 in 100 for former provincial players and 8 in 100 for former international players.  

The risks were higher for backline players, those with longer careers, and those who played more matches. 

The research found no evidence of higher rates of these conditions, such as Alzheimer’s, appearing earlier in life. Players who developed them typically showed symptoms between the ages of 70 and 79. 

NZR CEO Mark Robinson says the research is a vital step forward in the organisation’s ongoing player welfare work, particularly around brain health and concussion. 

“Having played the game at the highest level, I understand the demands rugby places on our players—that’s why player welfare isn’t just a priority for me, it’s personal. These results will be concerning for some people. While we can’t change the past, we acknowledge the impact rugby has had on some players and their whānau. Their experiences matter deeply and, they continue to guide the work we’re doing to improve player welfare and drive meaningful change across the game.” 

The findings provide a strong evidence base for New Zealand Rugby to continue working together to keep improving player safety in line with the latest evidence and ensuring all players have access to clear, accessible information to make informed decisions about their health. This includes supporting former players affected by neurodegenerative conditions. 

The findings do not include those players who began their careers after 2000. The way the game is played has changed in this time, with player welfare the driving factor. Stricter tackle laws, safer scrum techniques, and enhanced medical protocols have all been introduced to reduce concussion risks and support long-term brain health.  

In March 2025, NZR, NZRPA, and New Zealand Rugby Foundation launched an enhanced Brain Health & Concussion Risk Management Plan. The plan takes a proactive, evidence-based approach to injury prevention, management, education, research, and communication. Key elements include law changes to reduce high-impact contact, improved Head Injury Assessment (HIA) protocols, and better access to specialist medical support. Concussion awareness programmes are also being rolled out across all levels of the game. 

New Zealand Rugby Foundation Chief Executive Lisa Kingi-Bon says Kumanu Tāngata reflects our ongoing commitment to supporting players beyond their time on the field.  

“The Brain Health and Concussion Plan builds on this by focusing on long-term wellbeing, informed care, and culturally responsive approaches. Together, these initiatives aim to strengthen how we support players throughout their journey.” 

Together, the three organisations remain committed to updating safety measures in line with the latest evidence, supporting former players affected by neurodegenerative conditions, and ensuring all players have access to clear, accessible information to make informed decisions about their health. 

Kumanu Tāngata is funded and facilitated by World Rugby, New Zealand Rugby Foundation, NZR, Statistics New Zealand, and the University of Auckland Public Policy Institute. This is the first of several studies within the project, with future research exploring broader health outcomes and the long-term benefits of playing rugby. 

Full research paper can be found here.