RESEARCH THAT MATTERS Kumanu Tāngata: The AfterMatch Project by Drs Steph D’Souza & Ken Quarrie (on behalf of the Project Team), Co-Principal Investigators Rugby is more than just a game; it’s a lifelong passion for many. But what happens after the final whistle? The Kumanu Tāngata Project is dedicated to understanding the longterm health of former rugby players and ensuring that the game continues to evolve with player welfare at its core. MAJOR DEVELOPMENTS IN 2024 This year has been a big one for our research, with important milestones in our understanding of rugby’s long-term health impacts: • Study Protocol Published – Our study protocol was published in BMJ Open Sport & Exercise Medicine, outlining the rigorous approach we take to investigating player health. • Neurodegenerative Disease Research Under Review – A key paper examining neurodegenerative disease Any neurodegenerative disease Alzheimer’s Other dementias Parkinson’s Motor neurone disease Deaths (primary cause) Deaths (contributory cause) 0 5 10 15 Expected number given rate in general population Attributable to being in the rugby group 20 Average cases per year in the rugby cohort By the end of the study, around 24 former players per year were being diagnosed with or dying from a neurodegenerative disease—about five more cases per year than expected. 25 30 We are grateful for the ongoing support of our partners and the wider rugby community. The funding from the NZ Rugby Foundation and World Rugby has been crucial for allowing this research to be done to keep player wellbeing at the forefront of the game. outcomes in former first-class male rugby players is currently under review with Sports Medicine. Findings show a small increase in risk compared to the general population. • Mortality Trends Among Former Players – We found that former rugby players generally had lower death rates than the general population until they reached 80 years of age. However, after 80, they had higher rates of death from neurodegenerative diseases. Players also had lower rates of death from respiratory and metabolic diseases compared to males of the same age and ethnic origin from the general population. Overall, players had about 8.4 months less premature mortality per player (on average) across all causes of death; deaths from neurodegenerative causes were responsible for about 2 weeks increased premature mortality per player (on average). • Differences by Playing Position and Career Length – Our research showed that player position and rugby exposure influence long-term health outcomes: – Forwards had higher rates of deaths related to metabolic and cardiovascular diseases. – Backs had a higher rate of alcohol-related deaths than forwards – Longer rugby careers were linked to increased neurodegenerative disease deaths but lower respiratory disease deaths. • Global Recognition of Our Findings – We presented these findings at the International Population Data Linkage Network Conference in Chicago in September 2024, bringing international attention to rugby’s long-term health impacts. LOOKING AHEAD As we continue to build on these insights, our focus remains on understanding how changes in the game—especially since the shift to professionalism in 1996— might influence health outcomes for today’s players. By working together with players, coaches, and medical professionals, we aim to ensure that rugby remains a safe and sustainable sport for future generations. NEW ZEALAND RUGBY FOUNDATION INC. CC42547 41
42 Publizr Home