5.0 out of 5 stars Fantastic book, brilliantly written

A.C. · 8 February 2024

An explosive exposé of paramount importance. It was astute of Sam to rapidly realise that professionalism had changed the name of the game, not only of rugby, to a life-damaging extent.His foresight became aware that there was a sporting, and brain-damaging, subject under a professional carpet which, so crucial to uninformed participants, had to be swept out. And he has done it, after a decade of perseverance and research, both nationally and globally, during which no stone was left unturned and more were unearthed in his deep diggings.His pen was held in the most human of hands which have produced a master-piece.

5.0 out of 5 stars Essential reading for everyone connected to rugby

H. · 4 October 2023

A deeply uncomfortable and utterly compelling read, it reveals the extraordinary and wilful failure of world rugby and the RFU to protect the players upon which the game relies, particularly those at the top of the game. The failure of doctors to act on the evidence they had. It shines a light on the culture of medieval club training regimes and relentless fixture loads which (along with players being bigger and faster) have directly caused a surge in injury rates and injury severity. It exposes the conflicted team doctors sending evidently concussed players back on the field of play as their wages and job security depend on the call of the all powerful head coaches. The collective failure will inevitably lead to a generation of players with long term brain (and other) injuries, which, had they been properly diagnosed and rested and/or treated at the time would be avoidable or at least less severe.

5.0 out of 5 stars Can’t put this book down…

S. · 11 July 2024

If you love sport, David and Goliath stories, underdogs implementing change, investigative reporting/story telling, science facts, rugby, your brain and those of your children and friends… this is an absolute must read.You can really tell when an author is writing, fueled by reason and Sam Peters seems to be that man.Following on from the 2015 Will Smith movie Concussion and how it changed the NFL - this book should leave the same legacy on Rugby Union (all codes really), a sport which the author clearly adores and wants to protect long term.It also offers a glimpse into other arenas and shows that we’ve got to protect our brains at all costs… I couldn’t put it down and finished in a few days.Great holiday read, must buy!

5.0 out of 5 stars A must read for rugby lovers.

N.B. · 15 December 2024

A very well written book that I would recommend to parents of rugby playing kids and to anybody who is playing rugby at a senior level.A bit more awareness about the dangers of brain injury can only be good for the future of rugby.

5.0 out of 5 stars A brilliant, eye-opening read

E.S. · 4 October 2023

I love rugby, have done as long as I can remember, but reading this brilliant book has made me look at the game in a different way. Sam Peters' thoughtful and emotive investigation into head injuries in the sport (and wider afield) has really made me question the ethics behind the game. Aside from that, it's a captivating story of investigative journalism at its best. I feel a film on the horizon...

5.0 out of 5 stars Read if you or your family play Rugby

a. · 4 December 2023

This is a very well written and researched book. It is a very interesting and thought provoking read. I think that if you or your family are involved in Rugby then it is essential reading.

5.0 out of 5 stars Fantastic, powerful ... and at times infuriating

A. · 23 October 2025

I have no interest in rugby. I barely played it (despite playing a ton of sports) and haven't watched a single game. I only heard about this book because I bumped into Sam - two years above me at a school that had 160 boys in each year - at the Stratford upon Avon Literary Festival where we were both presenting our books.And I found it fascinating. This is a book not just about rugby, but about the importance of data and evidence over hunches and anecdotes, and standing up for the truth despite the repercussions. A former pro who speaks out might be shunned by his former team-mates; a journalist might be accused of trying to destroy the sport. Academics experience some of these frustrations too, but concussion can be a matter of life-or-death. And that's why the book was sometimes infuriating: rugby authorities, and so-called scientists on their payroll, demonstrating extreme confirmation bias and denying evidence to protect the status quo.There lessons go far beyond rugby. Just like concussed players are told to play on, exhausted junior investment bankers are told to pull another all-nighter (which has sometimes had fatal consequences) - and to say no would be to appear soft or uncommitted. And it applies to any field where asking questions can see you excluded or accused of disloyalty.I devoured the > 400 page book in just four sittings. Concussed is about more than rugby. It’s about courage, evidence, and what happens when institutions choose blind faith over truth.

5.0 out of 5 stars A real rugby fan's expose of how the authorities have let down the the rugby playing world

e.t. · 27 October 2023

Sam is a true rugby fan and the hurt he felt in having to fight so hard to get his message listened too and taken seriously by the Rugby authorities comes through clearly intros book. It is well wrttiena nd easy to read albeit he is delivering some tough news. A proper response to this book by the rugby authorities is needed to save Rugby. IF that is done we shall be looking back and saying "Thank You Sam". He has delivered a great service to sports journalism and to rugby.