Rugby players more aware of concussion issue says England's Richard Wigglesworth

England scrum-half Richard Wigglesworth believes players are taking more responsibility for their own safety following a number of high-profile concussion cases.

Wales full-back Leigh Halfpenny and England full-back Mike Brown both missed a number of games last season as a result of concussion and an ongoing safety review could mean a change to the laws on tackling.

Last week former Wales international Jonathan Thomas retired due to epilepsy, thought to have been caused by multiple head traumas.

"We're more aware of the risk - in the past we may have ignored symptoms - but now if you have those symptoms it's at the forefront of your mind," Wigglesworth said.

"You saw the way Mike Brown took himself out at the back end of last season - maybe he wouldn't have done that before but I think now players realise it's just not worth the risk.

"Hopefully everyone gets educated that way - we definitely feel that it's now handled sufficiently."

World Rugby have released a statement underlining their "proactive" approach to player safety within the game.

"World Rugby's number one priority is player welfare and our evidence-based approach to concussion education, prevention, management and research is overseen by independent experts," it said.

"While injury rates are not increasing in the game, we continually log, monitor and review law and injury trends to identify whether it is possible to further enhance player welfare.

"Specifically with concussion, reported injury rates in elite rugby have increased owing to better societal awareness and education leading to cultural change, coupled with the Head Injury Assessment, which is proving successful in removing players from the field of play with suspected concussion.

"While we our approach is proactive, we are not complacent and continue to consult the world's top experts to further enhance the care of all involved in the game."