Episode 2046: Inside Rory’s Head, Contact With The Head, ROG’s Skelton Key

Rory McIlroy made his customary slow (ie, terrible) start to a major championship yesterday, and has ground to make up if he wants to feature as part of Frances Murphy’s TV schedule for the weekend.

Reducing the number of head collisions and dealing with concussions are the two main priorities for rugby authorities all around the world at the moment. Eanna Falvey has served as the team doctor for Munster, Ireland & the Lions, and in January 2020 he became chief medical officer with World Rugby, so has a huge role in shaping the game’s future. We talk to Eanna about the progress rugby is making in diagnosing and treating those with concussion, what scientific “facts” we can and can’t believe, what they can do about reducing the number of head collisions in the first place, and how open he is to changing the way the game is currently played.

©INPHO/Dan Sheridan

Innovative eye-tracking technology trial starts in Super Rugby Trans-Tasman to advance concussion identification alongside the HIAhttps://t.co/DzeAukFzdh #rugby via @worldrugby

— Sir Bill Beaumont (@BillBeaumont) May 18, 2021

We also discuss how ROG has unlocked the potential lying within the formerly corpulent body of Will Skelton, and why he’s not afraid to talk up La Rochelle’s chances in advance of their European Cup final against Toulouse.

Love that the La Rochelle squad still play Rugby 08.

Here’s Will Skelton on home truths from ROG, settling into life in France, and the Wallabies:https://t.co/iElSgWVTdA

— Murray Kinsella (@Murray_Kinsella) May 20, 2021

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Stunning, breath-taking moments in this incredible interview with Liam Hayes, a man I loathed & secretly idolised as a young Dubs fan. So sad, it made me burst out crying at one point… Richie gets better and better at this lark. Fair play to you Liam, my heart goes out to you https://t.co/M6ayCkEM1i

— Fox in his den ???? (@foxinhisden) May 19, 2021

We won! ??

‘Where Is George Gibney?’ is an honouree for Documentary Pod, Crime & Justice Pod and wins Best Original Music Score/Best Sound Design in the worldwide @TheWebbyAwards 2021!https://t.co/FgKzEW2zT2

— Second Captains (@SecondCaptains) May 18, 2021