Sport Ethics, Psychology, Sport Policy: Fully Funded PhD Studentship in Player Perceptions of Concussion and Welfare Protocols in Elite Academy and Adult Rugby Union Players

There is growing awareness of the need to protect Rugby Union players from repetitive head injuries. This project will conduct research with male and female rugby players, parents of young players, and chief medical officers (CMO) across geographical locations, including Northern (e.g., England, Wales, France, Canada) and Southern (e.g., South Africa, New Zealand, Fiji) Hemispheres. 

The aims of the project include: 

1. Understand player perceptions of elements of the game associated with heightened risk and vulnerability relevant to concussion.
2. Evaluate perceived acceptability and legitimacy of current protocols implemented to prevent (e.g., tackle height restrictions), identify (e.g., HIA1 screening tool, instrumented mouthguards), and treat (e.g., concussion management protocols) concussion amongst parents and players.
3. Canvas CMO’s views on the effectiveness of the current measured aims at preventing, identifying, and treating concussions.

This insight will provide evidence to inform local and international policy development and has potential for high societal impacts and top-ranking journals. This will reinforce Swansea University’s reputation and position as one of the leading research institutions within the world for sport ethics, and further develop its current sport policy work. The PhD will consist of qualitative and quantitative data collection methods, using advanced statistical and thematic analysis that will generate novel and original data.

Funding Comment

This scholarship covers the full cost of tuition fees and an annual stipend at UKRI rate (currently £20,780 for 2025/26). 

Additional research expenses of up to £1,000 per year will also be available. 

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