Tony van Niekerk in conversation with Elna van Wyk, COO, Hollard Group Risk
Concussion has become one of the most widely discussed issues in global contact sport, and South Africa is at the forefront of tackling this challenge head-on.
Hollard Group Risk, as the insurer of the South African Rugby Union (SARU) scheme, recently partnered with SARU and MyPlayers to host a landmark concussion workshop, bringing together leading scientists, medical professionals, reinsurers and player representatives to address the evolving risks of head injuries in rugby.
For Hollard Group Risk, the motivation was clear: concussion impacts not only the health and careers of professional players but also the sustainability of the risk pool that supports them. “As the insurer of this scheme, we have a responsibility to understand the latest science and innovations around concussion,” says Elna van Wyk, Chief Operating Officer at Hollard Group Risk. “That knowledge helps us manage premiums, protect players’ long-term health, and ensure the sustainability of this vital cover.”
South Africa leading the way – Elna points out that South Africa is already recognised as a global leader in concussion research and management, citing the BokSmart initiative as a cornerstone of this progress. “To have so much intellectual property in one room was remarkable,” she reflects. “From amateur level right through to the Springboks, there’s a consistent, structured approach to concussion management, from education and training to real-time monitoring and rehabilitation.”
This leadership was evident in the workshop’s multidisciplinary format. Experts such as Professor Jon Patricios, a world authority on concussion, joined forces with coaches, medical teams, reinsurers and players to share perspectives. “Because concussion is such a complex topic, having everyone in the same room was incredibly valuable,” says Elna. “We covered everything, from neck strengthening and tackling techniques, to new technologies like the instrumented mouthguards that can help identify impacts and predict concussion risk.”
Innovation meets player welfare – One of the most exciting developments discussed at the workshop was the use of advanced mouthguards to monitor head impacts in real time. Developed through research led by Dr Ross Tucker, these devices track force and movement data to identify potential concussions more accurately than visual observation alone.
“Like any innovation, there was initial resistance,” Elna acknowledges. “But once players and coaches saw the data and understood how it contributes to their safety and the sustainability of the sport, acceptance has grown.” This proactive approach is reshaping how concussion is managed, with prevention and early intervention taking centre stage.
Insurance tailored to high-risk sport – Behind the medical and technological breakthroughs lies a crucial financial safety net: Hollard’s Group Risk cover for professional rugby players. This includes income protection benefits that pay out if an acute injury prevents a player from working.
“This is a valuable product,” Elna explains. “If a player suffers an injury that takes them off the field, policy benefits continue throughout their recovery or rehabilitation. It’s designed to provide financial stability during what can be a stressful and uncertain period.”
Designing cover for high-risk sports is challenging, she admits. “Accidents can happen in seconds, so close collaboration with SARU is essential. We work hand-in-hand with team doctors, monitor injuries weekly, and adapt quickly to new developments in prevention and treatment. This ongoing partnership is what makes the scheme sustainable.”
A model for other sports? – While rugby is unique in its rigorous approach to player welfare, Elna believes the model could be adapted for other high-risk sports. “What sets rugby apart is the close involvement of the medical teams and the emphasis on ongoing monitoring,” she says. “That level of oversight significantly reduces long-term risk and makes it possible to insure what would otherwise be seen as uninsurable.”
Prevention as the ultimate risk management – For Elna, the workshop underscored an essential truth: prevention is better than cure. “When we prevent injuries, or manage them effectively from day one, we protect players’ careers and control the costs that would otherwise threaten the sustainability of the scheme,” she says.
The collaborative spirit of the workshop, uniting insurers, medical experts, scientists, players and governing bodies is a blueprint for the future of sports risk management. “These are high-income individuals whose careers are often short,” she adds. “Managing their risks responsibly is in everyone’s interest, the players, the unions, and the insurers who stand behind them.”
The success of the concussion workshop is just the beginning. With ongoing innovation, from advanced monitoring tools to evolving rehabilitation strategies, South African rugby continues to set the standard for concussion management globally.
With Hollard Group Risks commitment to both player welfare and product sustainability, the partnership between sport and insurer is proving to be as robust as it is forward-looking.