One of the regions top rugby clubs has announced a new health initiative.

Tynedale Rugby Club has announced a partnership with Cognisant to provide concussion support services, as well as promoting overall brain health to players from U12 teams all the way up to the first XI.

Cognisant is a not-for-profit community interest company and provides support to sports organisations by protecting their players’ brain health – including assessment and advice regarding the effects of concussion and more widely, the promotion of positive mental health.

Cognisant provide its service through education, training and integration of baseline and post-concussion assessments. It also provides specialist clinical services when needed.

Jojo Maddison, Tynedale Head of Physiotherapy, said: “We have worked with Dr David Millar and his colleagues for a while now, mainly with the first team squad, and have been overwhelmed by the knowledge and expertise this brings.

“At Tynedale Rugby Club, we have always taken player welfare very seriously, and although we have always had extensive concussion protocols, I am very excited to implement this new progressive partnership.

“Regardless of age or gender, every Tynedale player involved in the contact game will have access to the best clinical support available in rugby.

“This initiative doesn’t just provide structured support to my physiotherapy team to make robust clinical decision but also gives confidence to the coaching staff and parents that the players’ welfare is at the forefront.”

Tynedale RFC hope that the partnership will be launched ready for the 2021/22 season, with all players, coaches and parents being provided with further details before the season starts.