Latest News

Back to Latest News back

 

NRL completes restructuring of its medical department

NRL completes restructuring of its medical department
March 24, 2021

The National Rugby League has completed a review and restructure of its medical department which will result in the NRL expanding the role and expertise available to the sport through its Medical Advisory Panel.

The expanded Medical Advisory Panel replaces a dedicated NRL Chief Medical Officer. The Medical Advisory Panel will be expanded to include specialist doctors in sports medicine, occupational health, neurology, and other disciplines as required. This will provide the NRL with access to more specialist physicians than was previously the case.

The Medical Operations Manager will liaise between the clubs and the Medical Advisory Panel.

As a result, Dr Paul Bloomfield will leave the business next month after six years in the role of NRL Chief Medical Officer. He will return to private practice as a Specialist Sport and Exercise physician and will continue to be involved in Rugby League.

Dr Bloomfield played a key role in creating and expanding the NRL’s head injury surveillance and concussion protocols. He also implemented many other medical protocols to enhance player safety and welfare.

Dr Bloomfield commented “I want to thank all 16 clubs, especially the club doctors, for their support over the last six years, I believe the innovations we have implemented in all aspects of medical management, not just concussion, have significantly benefited player safety and welfare, and the game as a whole.

“We’ve taken enormous steps to implement protocols that reduce the risk of head injuries. I’m also extremely proud the NRL has linked with the University of Newcastle and Harvard University for one of the world’s largest studies into head injuries in collision sport, both for past and present players. The work done during this study will benefit generations to come.”

Head of Football Graham Annesley acknowledged Dr Bloomfield’s contribution to the game adding “Paul has worked in professional rugby league for almost 30 years, the past six of those as NRL Chief Medical Officer during a period of enormous change. His contribution to the game and the safety of our players has been outstanding and will have an enduring impact well into the future.

“Our expanded Medical Advisory Panel will provide us with access to additional medical expertise from a broader range of specialists to ensure we have immediate access to the best possible advice regardless of any medical issues that confront the game.”

The National Rugby League (NRL) will partner with the University of Newcastle and the Spaulding Research Institute at Harvard Medical School in one of the world’s largest studies into head injuries and brain health in collision sport.

Image: Dr Andrew Gardner, University of Newcastle examines brain scans. Announced back in 2019, the NRL partners with the University of Newcastle and the Spaulding Research Institute at Harvard Medical School in one of the world’s largest studies into head injuries and brain health in collision sport. Courtesy of University of Newcastle 

Related Articles

23rd March 2021 - Sport Integrity Australia acknowledges suspension of NRL player for four years

19th March 2021 - Cbus Super Stadium to host NRL game without COVID capacity restrictions

4th February 2021 - Rhino Australia launches Innovative sports robot to reduce football training concussions

11th January 2021 - Study finds impacts of AFL players concussion last longer than previously thought

4th July 2019 - Rugby league players considering class action over NRL’s approach to concussion

27th June 2019 - Research reveals ‘unequivocal’ evidence of CTE in former rugby league players’ brains

20th December 2017 - New South Wales Institute of Sport to introduce new concussion test for athletes

2nd March 2021 - NRL’s Knights members and fans the focus of new Isagenix partnership

25th February 2021 - NRL cuts operating costs by more than a third in wake of Coronavirus challenges

4th December 2020 - Australian sport medical leaders’ collaboration looks to see athletes and teams well placed ahead of Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics

5th March 2019 - Sports Medicine Australia names Craig Knox as new Chief Executive

3rd July 2014 - Australian sports medicine sets its sights on Asia

17th February 2014 - Sports Medicine Australia launches membership mentoring program


Support our industry news service
We hope that you value the news that we publish so while you're here can we ask for your support?

As an independent publisher, we need reader support for our industry news gathering so ask that - if you don't already do so - you back us by subscribing to the printed Australasian Leisure Management magazine and/or our online news.

 

supplier directory

The Complete Guide to Leisure Industry Products & Services.

See the directory see all

Otium Planning Group

Otium Planning Group is a contemporary sport and leisure consultancy providing services in planning, facility development, management and funding for the sport, recreation and leisure industries…

read more

Aquatics / Consultants / Recreation / Sport / Venues

 
 

Tim Batt Water Solutions

Tim Batt Water Solutions are at the very forefront of the commercial aquatic business in Australia, with over 30 years specific experience supplying and installing chemical control and dosing…

read more

Aquatics / Environment / Recreation / Technology / Venues

 
 

Enta Australasia

As of the 1st July 2018, Enta Australasia Pty Ltd/Best Union has been rebranded as VIVATICKET Pty Ltd.  Click here to view the VIVATICKET Pty Ltd listing.  19th July 2018 - ENTA…

read more

Technology / Ticketing / Venues

 
 

Myzone

Email for trade enquiries: Enquiriesapac@myzone.org  Customer support desk - Click Myzone support or go to ‘help’ on myzone app to access live support. Myzone® is the leading…

read more

Fitness / Sport / Technology / Wellness

 
 

Envibe

With its sleek good looks and easy-to-use yet powerful functionality, Envibe is the premium fitness club software for the Australasian leisure, recreation and fitness industry. We are the most…

read more

Aquatics / Fitness / Recreation / Technology

 
 

Mattioli

Gianni Mattoli Director 0412 360 378 E: gianni@mattoli.com.au E: marketing@mattioli.com.au Tony Aloi National Operations Manager 0425 762 864 E: tony@mattoli.com.au MEL · SYD · ADE…

read more

Aquatics / Recreation / Safety / Technology

 
 

SENtag

Developed in Europe, this innovative system offers a safety management solution for swimming pools that checks individual swimmers via their wristband - monitoring their depth and time. Sensors…

read more

Aquatics / Hospitality / Safety / Technology / Waterparks

 
 

IEDM

iEDM integrate Design, Engineering and Delivery Management services to convert existing spaces into exciting new entertainment venues. Our team consists of highly qualified professionals with diverse…

read more

Consultants / Design

 
 
 
 

get listed with our suppliers directory

Get your business noticed in our targeted directory. Viewed by 10,000 industry professionals per week!

list your business