Super Rugby coach backs mouthguards as All Black raises concerns

One of the coaches in Super Rugby Pacific supports the usage of smart mouthguards, but an All Black has questioned their adoption.

World Rugby has invested several million dollars in researching new technologies that can alert pitch-side doctors when a player is injured.

There was a delay in the data being taken and sent from the mouthguards during last Friday’s season opener between the Chiefs and the Crusaders, which led in players being referred for head injury assessments at the incorrect times.

Some players and coaches have criticized the technology, with All Black and Crusaders midfielder David Havili being the most recent to query if the smart mouthguards’ arrival to Super Rugby was premature.

“We all agree with Scoot (Scott Barrett) that people shouldn’t be dragged off for no reason. The fans want to see Anton (Lienert-Brown) and Quinten Strange play as long as possible. If it means not getting them off on time, I believe it ought to be addressed,” Havili added.

“If you look at it under a microscope they are in the players’ best interests but in terms of where it’s at, at the moment, I would like to have a wee bit more data around it and have the system a wee bit more tight-lockproof.”
However, Havili supports the rationale for deploying the technology.

“It’s a gladiator sport, so you should expect major collisions.

“The mouthguards allow you to track that. In the grand scheme of things, when they get the data right and the technology where it needs to be, it will be fantastic for the game.”

The New Zealand Rugby Players Association has also raised worry, with boss Rob Nichol telling RNZ that if the issues were not resolved, players might cease wearing the mouthguards.

He believes they were made mandatory too soon.

However, Hurricanes assistant coach Tyler Bleyendaal supports the adoption of smart mouthguards in Super Rugby Pacific, and he believes certain teething concerns will be addressed.

The former Crusaders first-five stated that they are there to safeguard the players.

“Trying to get them to fit well has been the main one for the players, but it’s all in the name of player welfare and player safety so the players are keen to make it work,” Bleyendaal said in a statement.

“There are only a few glitches that need to be worked out, as we’ve seen. We’re doing our best to get on board with that (smart mouthguards), and ideally it will be a non-issue.

“Like I said it’s for a good cause so everyone is trying to make it work.”