In the words of England international Alex Corbisiero, suffering a concussion in rugby is ‘inevitable’ – but a new head-guard launched this week could significantly reduce the numbers affected from what is the biggest challenge facing the sport.

The makers of the N-Pro head-guard claim their product can reduce the energy transferred to the brain in collisions by up to 75 per cent thanks to a multi-layered technology that is both medically approved and backed by World Rugby.

Statistics released in March showed concussion accounts for 17 per cent of all rugby injuries, with an average lay-off time of 29 days, the longest on record – and the husband and wife team behind the head-guard, Mark and Dr Sandra Ganly, believe their product will be worn by players from the professional game and amateurs at all levels.