SA Rugby has thrown its weight behind the International Concussion in Sport Group's Athlete Brain Health Symposium, set for Cape Town on November 25 and 26. The event is the first CISG symposium of its kind to be held outside the USA or Europe.
The two-day programme will bring together leading international clinicians and researchers for presentations, panel discussions and practical workshops spanning concussion assessment and management, persistent post-concussion symptoms, long-term neurological outcomes, neuropsychiatric considerations and youth athlete welfare.
Co-convenor Prof Jon Patricios described the hosting as "a major accolade for South Africa," noting the alignment between CISG's principles and SA Rugby's BokSmart programme. He highlighted the symposium as an opportunity for South African sports doctors, neurologists, psychiatrists and physiotherapists to exchange knowledge with their international counterparts.
SA Rugby medical general manager Clint Readhead said the event would be "hugely valuable for our medical practitioners, coaches and players," pointing to the governing body's track record through BokSmart and the Brain Health Service — the joint initiative launched with World Rugby and MyPlayers last year that provides former elite players with brain health assessments, education and specialist referrals.
Chief executive Rian Oberholzer said the decision to bring the symposium to Cape Town reflects the contribution South African sports medicine practitioners and researchers continue to make to the global player welfare conversation.