We want to ensure that anyone involved in rugby - players, coaches, refs and family - know what to look out for and what to do when they suspect a player has sustained a concussion. We are currently reviewing the Concussion Management Pathway for how it will be offered in 2025.
The Community Concussion Management Pathway (CCMP) provides a clear pathway for all players, coaches, physios, and parents to follow when a player receives a suspected concussion. We recognise that concussions are not always a visible injury and it is important we are cautious following a suspected concussion.
The CCMP is currently being offered in three unions - Otago, North Harbour and Hawkes Bay. We have now centralised reporting of suspected concussions through the Concussion Webform. The CSx app, which has been used for baseline testing, concussion reporting and medical assessments will be phased out as of 2025.
The CCMP provides information to the relevant stakeholders at the appropriate time points to improve concussion management at the community level.
New Zealand Rugby’s Community Concussion Initiative is a model centred around player welfare. The model aims to target positive behaviour changes in concussion attitudes and reporting behaviours across all individuals in the rugby community – including players, coaches, support staff, and parents.The NZR Community Concussion Initiative is centred around player welfare using six target areas:
If you have a suspected concussion you need to visit a General Practitioner (GP) for diagnosis and management so you can rest, recover and return to play or learning as safely and quickly as possible. Similarly, if you had a concussion, you must be cleared by a GP before you return to play.
Please note:
| North Harbour: | Independent | Dr. John Mayhew | 021 767 322 |
| Hibiscus Coast: | Silverdale Medical Centre | Dr. Andrew Webster | 09 427 9997 |
| Dr. Warren Groarke | |||
| Hibiscus Coast Medical Centre | Dr. Andrew Chambers | 09 421 9170 | |
| Napier: | Central Medical | Dr. Jon Eames | 06 843 2320 |
| Taradale: | Taradale Medical Centre | Dr. Chris Kirton | 06 844 6831 |
| Hastings: | Totara Health | Dr. Maggie Riley | 06 873 9024 |
| Central Hawkes Bay: | Tukituki Medical Centre | Dr Pauline Teong | 06 858 7767 |
| Masterton: | Kuripuni Medical Centre | Katie Inker (Nurse Practitioner) | 06 377 4093 |
| Greytown: | Greytown Medical Centre | Nicole Kolvenbag (Nurse Practitioner) | 06 304 9012 |
| Queenstown: | Queenstown Medical Centre | Gaylene Hastie (Nurse Practitioner) | 03 441 0500 |
| The Village Health Centre | Dr. Fiona Rorrison | 03 441 4333 | |
| Dr. Laura Brown | |||
| Wanaka: | Wanaka Medical Centre | Dr. Andrew McLeod | 03 443 0710 |
| Dunedin: | Student Health | Dr. Bret Dougherty | 03 479 8212 |
| Dr Tommy Perkov | |||
| Otago: | Independent | Dr. Jordana Tafatu | 03 477 0996 |
| Dr Trent Taylor | 03 477 0996 |
* let reception know you're part of the NZR Concussion Pilot.
If a concussion GP is not available in your area, contact your personal GP but keep your receipts so we can reimburse your GP visit.
It's important to know what to look for and what to do if you think a concussion has happened. Concussion symptoms can happen right away, or up to two days after the event.
If a player appears to have any of the following symptoms, they must see a doctor right away:
If there are no Red Flags but you think they might be concussed, make sure they:
To give players the best chance for a full recovery, it's important to follow best practice. All concussed players should follow the Graduated Return to Learn/Work.