The International Rugby Board has announced the composition of three specialist medical working groups to develop and promote the highest standards for player welfare.

Under the auspices of the IRB and established following the inaugural IRB Medical Conference last November, the expert groups are focused on the keys areas of concussion evaluation and return to play protocols, spinal cord injury management and prevention and implementation of cross-Union best-practice medical policies and player welfare management.

"Today's announcement further underlines our collective commitment to a progressive approach on all medical issues, not just for player welfare, but also for the wider image of the Game as we look to grow Rugby around the world," said IRB Chairman Bernard Lapasset.

"The IRB Medical Conference at Twickenham Stadium last November provided an innovative inaugural forum to bring together Union medical officers, playing representatives and invited independent experts to discuss a range of key issues, consider specific research and analysis, exchange views and form recommendations for the IRB to focus on through its Medical Strategic Plan."

"A key outcome was the need for a collaborative approach to developing player welfare strategies through combined injury data analysis, information sharing, education and policy development."

"Since the Medical Conference the IRB has collaborated with its Member Unions on the roll-out process for headline strategies to ensure the best-possible techniques for playing, coaching, officiating and administrating Rugby are promoted and implemented at all levels of the Game," added Lapasset.

The expert groups will comprise Union medical representatives, independent medical experts and playing representatives and will consider the latest global research and analysis, advise and inform on all aspects of their specialist areas and drive policy making in accordance with the IRB Medical Strategic Plan to ensure that the Game collectively continues to put its players first.

Promoting stakeholder involvement across all Member Unions, the IRB has also launched a dedicated Player Welfare and Medical extranet site that will enable Unions to access the latest documentation, information, injury audits and key project notes to assist with key strategy delivery and the promotion of cross-Union information sharing.