Northern | US

Ex-Scottish players to undergo a new brain health MOT

(Photo by Rusty Cheyne/Allsport/Getty Images/Hulton Archive)
Comments
Comment

Former Scotland rugby players are to be given the opportunity to receive a brain health MOT. Scottish Rugby is offering the pilot service to ex-players as part of its commitment to their welfare. It will be held at Murrayfield and delivered by professor Craig Ritchie from the University of Edinburgh. 

ADVERTISEMENT

Invitations to male and female ex-players will begin to go out this week, the union said. The investigation process has three stages, with the patient being seen by the clinician two to three times over a period of several months. 

The investigation phase will involve blood testing, brain scanning and health/lifestyle interviews which will help build a picture of how the clinicians can best support the individual with a brain health plan. 

Video Spacer

What happens inside the brain during a concussion | Beyond 80 Knocked

Video Spacer

What happens inside the brain during a concussion | Beyond 80 Knocked

The clinic concept is intended to be extended to former players in a range of contact sports, and ultimately to the wider public. Scottish Rugby said it had worked with Brain Health Scotland, Alzheimer Scotland, the University of Edinburgh and World Rugby to establish the clinic.

Scottish Rugby’s chief medical officer Dr James Robson explained: “I am delighted we are now ready to invite former Scotland players to the pilot Brain Health Clinic at BT Murrayfield.

Related

“Our first discussions on opening such a clinic began over two years ago and it is only down to the vision and commitment of our colleagues at Brain Health Scotland, Alzheimer Scotland, the University of Edinburgh World Rugby and NHS Scotland that we are able to now begin providing this unique service, initially to former players and hopefully in the future out to the public at large.

“While a lot is known about physical and mental health, the health of our brain is an area we continue to learn more about and the clinic is a groundbreaking and essential step in taking that understanding further and supporting those who have played rugby as they enter later life.”

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Play Video
LIVE

{{item.title}}

Trending on RugbyPass

Comments

0 Comments
Be the first to comment...

Join free and tell us what you really think!

Sign up for free
ADVERTISEMENT

Latest Long Reads

Comments on RugbyPass

Close Panel
Close Panel

Edition & Time Zone

{{current.name}}
Set time zone automatically
{{selectedTimezoneTitle}} (auto)
Choose a different time zone
Close Panel

Editions

Close Panel

Change Time Zone

Close
ADVERTISEMENT
Close

Planned Maintenance Notice – Log-in

We’ll be carrying out essential maintenance on our login service today. During this time, users will be unable to log in to rugbypass.com, rugbypass.tv and the RugbyPass app.

Date: Wednesday 6 May 2026

Time: 5:00pm – 9:00pm (GMT)

We apologise for any inconvenience and appreciate your patience while we make these improvements.

Thanks,
RugbyPass Team

Copied to clipboard

Share Article close