As the Women’s Six Nations captivates audiences with its thrilling matches and growing popularity, it’s a moment of triumph for women’s sports. However, amidst the celebration, a sombre truth lurks – the increased risk of brain injuries faced by female athletes, particularly in high-impact sports like rugby.
The tragic story of Siobhan Cattigan serves as a poignant reminder of this risk. Her family watched helplessly as she deteriorated mentally, allegedly due to brain injuries sustained during rugby training and games. Her untimely death at 26 shines a stark light on the toll of such injuries.
Concerns over sport-related brain injuries have loomed for decades, with research highlighting the detrimental effects of repetitive blows to the head. While immediate consequences like impaired cognitive function and mental health issues have long been recognised, it’s the long-term spectre of chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) that has catapulted this issue into the spotlight.
CTE, a degenerative brain disease linked to repeated head trauma, has been detected in athletes both professional and amateur, male and female, with some cases diagnosed in individuals under 30. The recent diagnosis of CTE in a female athlete underscores the urgency of addressing this issue within women’s sports.
The surge in women’s participation in rugby, fuelled by advancements in gender equality within sports, demands scrutiny of the potential costs. While strides have been made in providing women with greater opportunities and visibility in traditionally male-dominated sports, the inherent risks of sports like rugby cannot be overlooked.
Despite progress, disparities persist in access to resources and medical care for female athletes, potentially exacerbating their vulnerability to brain injuries. The pursuit of excellence in sports often prioritises performance over health, raising questions about the ethics of encouraging women to engage in high-risk activities without adequate safeguards.
As women’s rugby transitions into the realm of professionalism, with the upcoming launch of the first US women’s rugby union professional league, the trajectory of increased participation may come at a price – more women and girls facing the devastating consequences of sport-related brain injuries.
The push for grassroots participation in sports, essential for nurturing future talent, presents a double-edged sword. While it offers opportunities for young girls to excel in rugby and other sports, it also exposes them to potential harm without sufficient protection or oversight.
Amid mounting concerns, over 450 current and former rugby players have initiated legal action against governing bodies for negligence in addressing the risks of brain injuries. Despite mounting evidence, rugby organisations have been slow to acknowledge the link between their sport and CTE, raising doubts about their commitment to player safety.
While consenting adults have the right to engage in risky activities, the undeniable risks associated with sports like rugby compel us to reassess the pursuit of gender equality at any cost. Women should not be treated as fragile beings in need of protection, but neither should their well-being be sacrificed for the sake of parity in sports.
As spectators cheer on the remarkable women competing in the Six Nations, let us not forget the human toll behind the spectacle – the lives forever altered by the silent scourge of brain injuries. In the pursuit of gender equality, let us not forsake the safety and health of those who make sports possible.
