SA Rugby supports International Athlete Brain Health Symposium in Cape Town

SA Rugby has thrown its support behind the International Concussion in Sport Group's (CISG) Athlete Brain Health Symposium, which will bring leading international experts in sports medicine, concussion, and athlete mental health welfare to Cape Town on 25 and 26 November 2026.

The event comes at a time when athlete brain health is receiving increasing attention around the world and follows the launch last year of the Brain Health Service in South Africa, a joint initiative by World Rugby, SA Rugby and MyPlayers that supports former elite players with brain health assessments, education and specialist referrals where required.

The symposium marks a significant milestone for South African sport and sports medicine. According to the organisers, it will be the first such symposium hosted outside the USA and Europe, highlighting South Africa's growing contribution to the global discussion around athlete brain health and concussion management.

Co-convenor Prof Jon Patricios said: “This is a major accolade for South Africa and the support of SA Rugby is most fitting. The BokSmart programme has been a leader in injury prevention and aligns with CISG's principles of athlete welfare. Importantly, this is an excellent opportunity for South African sports doctors, neurologists, psychiatrists and physiotherapists to interact with their international counterparts, learning from them aa well as sharing our experiences. Ultimately, the athlete will benefit.”

The two-day programme will feature presentations, panel discussions and practical workshops delivered by internationally recognised clinicians and researchers, covering topics such as concussion assessment and management, athlete brain health, persistent symptoms following concussion, long-term neurological outcomes, neuropsychiatric considerations and youth athlete welfare.

SA Rugby's support for the symposium reflects its longstanding commitment to player welfare and athlete care. Through initiatives such as BokSmart, the federation has played a leading role in concussion education and injury prevention and continues to invest in evidence-based approaches aimed at safeguarding the wellbeing of players at all levels of the game.

Clint Readhead, General Manager: Medical at SA Rugby, said the symposium would provide an important opportunity to advance discussions around athlete welfare and brain health.

“Player welfare remains at the forefront of SA Rugby's priorities, and we are delighted to support the CISG Athlete Brain Health Symposium coming to Cape Town later this year,” said Readhead.

“The opportunity to engage with leading international experts in athlete brain health and concussion management will be hugely valuable for our medical practitioners, coaches and players.

“South African rugby has long been committed to evidence-based player welfare initiatives through programmes such as BokSmart, while more recently we launched the Brain Health Service in partnership with World Rugby and MyPlayers.

“This symposium provides an important platform to share knowledge, examine emerging research and continue advancing the support we provide to players during and beyond their playing careers.”

SA Rugby CEO Rian Oberholzer said the event was a fitting recognition of South Africa's standing in sports medicine and player welfare: “We are proud to support an event of this significance being hosted in South Africa. The decision to bring the Athlete Brain Health Symposium to Cape Town reflects the important contribution South African sports medicine practitioners and researchers continue to make to the global conversation around player welfare and athlete brain health.

“As a sport, we have a responsibility to care for players not only during their time on the field but throughout their lives. We welcome the opportunity for experts from around the world to share their knowledge and experiences in South Africa as we continue working together to ensure that player health and well-being remain central to the future of rugby.”

SA Rugby will encourage attendance by sports medicine practitioners, coaches, and players from all levels of the game and looks forward to engaging with the latest developments in one of the most important areas of modern sports medicine. The federation will also be represented at the symposium by members of its medical and player welfare teams.

The symposium is expected to attract delegates from around the world and will showcase the latest scientific research, clinical best practice and emerging innovations aimed at improving athlete welfare, both during sporting careers and long after retirement.