World Rugby is taking player welfare to the next level as they have announced their call for funding research projects in 2023.

The organisation is dedicated to promoting evidence-based enhancements in priority areas, including concussion.

World Rugby has a strong track record in funding medical and scientific research.

Over the last eight years, the organisation has awarded more than £1.4 million (AUD$2.4 million) to support independent research projects aimed at advancing injury prevention, management, and education.

Commenting on the advancing player welfare, World Rugby CEO Alan Gilpin, said: “Robust scientific and medical evidence is vital to advancing player welfare within rugby.

“World Rugby is a leader in this area and we will never stand still which why, rather than waiting for research to fall into our laps, we are continuing to invest in new studies, specific to our sport, which enhance our understanding.

“World Rugby wants to work alongside the scientific and medical community to ensure that our game is at the cutting edge of player welfare.

“In opening the 2023 application process for new research funding we are seeking partners that will help broaden our understanding of what it means to play rugby today and how we need to evolve to protect the rugby of tomorrow,” he said.

Applicants can apply for funding via World Rugby’s funding application portal before the deadline on April 4, where proposals will be reviewed for completeness and alignment with priority areas before being evaluated by the scientific committee made up of independent academic experts.

Proposals will be assessed based on their scientific merit and ability to contribute to World Rugby’s player welfare mandates, with approved proposals being recommended to World Rugby’s Internal Risk Management Committee for final approval.