At the recent Women’s Rugby World Cup, all eyes were not just on the players’ tackles and tries – they were also on their gumguards. But these were not ordinary mouthpieces. Fitted with cutting-edge sensors, the smart gumguards are designed to detect head impacts and alert medical staff in real time when a player may need a concussion assessment.
For women’s rugby, a sport that has grown in both popularity and competitiveness in South Africa, the technology marks a major step forward in protecting players. Concussions remain one of the most serious injuries in contact sport, often going unnoticed until it is too late. The new gumguards provide immediate data on the force and location of an impact, ensuring that potential injuries do not slip under the radar.
World Rugby has already announced that smart mouthguard technology will be integrated into global player welfare measures, signalling its commitment to addressing long-standing concerns about concussion management. For players, this means safer matches and more confidence that their health is being prioritised.
Too often, players want to stay on the field and push through, even when they have taken a serious knock. This technology takes the guesswork out. It gives medical teams the evidence they need to step in immediately.
This innovation is also significant for women’s sport. Historically, research and equipment has been skewed toward men’s rugby, leaving gaps in safety protocols for female athletes. By centering smart gumguards in women’s tournaments, the game is not only becoming safer but also signalling that women’s rugby deserves the same level of investment and innovation as the men’s game.
Of course, questions remain. Will the cost of this technology make it accessible at grassroots or university level, or will it remain a feature of elite rugby? For student players who often lack comprehensive medical support, the potential of this innovation could be transformative, but only if it is rolled out beyond the professional leagues.
Still, the message is clear: rugby is evolving, and player welfare is moving to the forefront. If the introduction of smart gumguards proves successful, they could redefine concussion protocols not only in rugby, but across all contact sports, ensuring that athletes – whether on the world stage or a university pitch – can play safer, longer, and smarter.
