The Six Nations is back and these days rugby or any contact sport comes hand in hand with the question of player safety.
Engineers at Cardiff University are currently developing a new padding for NFL helmets which they say could also be used in scrum caps to help reduce head injuries.
This is something former Ospreys centre, Ben John, is welcoming.
He was forced to end his rugby career after suffering with concussion.
Former rugby player Ben John suffered a series of head injuries Credit: Huw Evans Agency
He now works as a personal trainer in London, but recalls struggling with headaches, bright lights and blurred vision.
Ben John, Ospreys centre ended his rugby career after a series of head injuries Credit: Huw Evans Agency
Researchers at Cardiff University's School of Engineering are now developing a material for American Football helmets that aims to help reduce head injuries.
They say the same material could be used in rugby scrum hats, riding helmets or bike helmets.
Engineers at Cardiff University are developing new padding for NFL helmets to help reduce head injuries Credit: itv wales
Ben feels another way to improve player welfare would be to reduce the length of the rugby season. He says there should be more time for players to recover from injuries in training and games.
World Rugby says player welfare is a top priority, and that it is committed to "evidence-based injury-prevention strategy" for all levels of participation.