Rugby Authorities Resist NFL’s Move to Ban ‘Smelling Salts’ Amid Concussion Concerns
Despite growing concerns about player safety, rugby’s governing bodies currently have no plans to follow the National Football League’s lead in banning smelling salts, a common practice in high-level competition. The decision comes as the NFL warned teams that the ammonia-based stimulant could potentially obscure the symptoms of concussions.
Smelling salts, a pungent combination of ammonia, water, and ethanol, are widely marketed to athletes as a means of increasing mental alertness and providing an energy boost. Proponents suggest the irritant stimulates a sharp intake of breath, delivering a short-term surge of oxygen to the brain. However, the NFL, in a recent memo to its teams obtained by the Associated Press, cautioned that smelling salts “have the potential to mask certain neurological signs and symptoms, including some potential signs of concussion.”
The use of smelling salts is deeply ingrained in rugby culture. Footage from the first British and Irish Lions’ Test against Australia last month showed Lions flanker Tadhg Beirne inhaling the substance during a halftime break, while teammates gathered around. The team even shared video of the incident, including the reaction of teammate Jack Conan, on their social media channels.
https://www.example.com/lions-smelling-salts-video
Video footage circulated widely on social media showing Tadhg Beirne using smelling salts during a British and Irish Lions match.
This practice isn’t limited to rugby. Ellis Genge, a prominent England player, has previously been observed using smelling salts immediately before matches. Reports also indicate that footballers in the Premier League have been pictured apparently using them on the pitch.
The debate surrounding smelling salts highlights the ongoing tension between maximizing athletic performance and prioritizing player health. While rugby authorities acknowledge the NFL’s concerns, they have not yet determined whether a ban is necessary. The potential for masking concussion symptoms is a serious issue, but a complete prohibition could also be seen as an overreach, given the widespread and long-standing use of smelling salts within the sport.
The situation remains fluid, and rugby officials will likely continue to monitor the NFL’s experience and evaluate the potential risks and benefits before making any definitive changes to their policies. The core question remains: does the performance benefit outweigh the potential for delayed diagnosis of a serious brain injury?
