Research from the Irish Rugby Injury Surveillance (IRIS) Project, led by researchers from the Department of Physical Education and Sport Sciences (PESS), University of Limerick alongside the Irish Rugby Football Union, has attracted widespread national attention following the publication of findings examining the impact of lowering the legal tackle height in rugby.
The study found that lowering the legal tackle height was associated with a sharp decline in concussion and overall injury rates in adult rugby, providing important evidence to inform player welfare, coaching practice and future policy decisions.
Following its publication, the research generated extensive media coverage across national newspapers, radio, podcasts and online platforms, highlighting the impact that evidence-based sport science can have beyond academia.
Featured in The Conversation
The research was explored in depth by Professor Tom Comyns and Professor Ian Kenny in an article for The Conversation, explaining the evidence behind the study and what the findings could mean for the future of rugby.
National Radio Coverage
The findings were discussed on several major national and regional radio programmes, helping bring the research to players, coaches, parents and the wider sporting community.
Newstalk Breakfast
Professor Ian Kenny joined Newstalk Breakfast to discuss the findings and their implications for concussion prevention and player welfare.
Live 95 – Limerick Today
Professor Ian Kenny and Professor Tom Comyns joined Gillian Devlin on Limerick Today to discuss whether lowering tackle height is making rugby safer.
RTÉ Radio 1 – The David McCullagh Show
The research also featured on The David McCullagh Show on RTÉ Radio 1.
🔗 https://www.rte.ie/radio/radio1/clips/22621904/
Morning Ireland
The study was highlighted during the ‘In the Papers’ segment on Morning Ireland, reflecting its significance as a national news story.
National Newspaper Coverage
The findings received extensive coverage across Ireland’s national newspapers.
Sunday Independent
Dr Lauren Guilfoyle discussed the research and its findings in the Sunday Independent.
Irish Examiner
Dr Kilian Bibby featured in the Irish Examiner, discussing the implications of the study.
🔗 https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/arid-41865036.html
Regional and Industry Coverage
The research was also featured by a range of regional news outlets and sporting organisations.
University of Limerick News
Irish Rugby Football Union (IRFU)
Limerick Leader
Nenagh Guardian
Extensive Broadcast Coverage
In addition to interviews and feature pieces, the research was reported in news bulletins across numerous radio stations throughout Ireland, many featuring clips from Professor Ian Kenny’s interview on Newstalk.
Coverage included:
- Classic Hits
- Red FM
- Cork’s 96FM
- C103
- Live 95
- SPIN 1038
- SPIN South West
- Midlands 103
- iRadio
- Shannonside FM
- Northern Sound
- KCLR FM
- Galway Bay FM
Research Making a Real-World Impact
This widespread media coverage demonstrates the importance of translating research beyond academic journals and into public discussion.
Conducted through the Irish Rugby Injury Surveillance (IRIS) Project, in collaboration with the Irish Rugby Football Union (IRFU), the study is helping to inform conversations around player welfare, concussion prevention and evidence-based policy in rugby.
By engaging with national media and reaching audiences across Ireland, the research team has ensured that important decisions around player safety are supported by robust scientific evidence.
The breadth of this coverage reflects not only the quality of the research but also its significance for coaches, players, governing bodies and the wider sporting community.
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