All Blacks player Scott Barrett criticizes new technology as excessive: PlanetRugby

The new smart mouthguards introduced in the 2024 Super Rugby Pacific season have received criticism during the opening round. These mouthguards, designed to improve player welfare, use Bluetooth technology to transmit data to matchday doctors on the sidelines, indicating which players may require a head injury assessment. Despite being mandated by World Rugby for all top level competitions, players like Chiefs’ Anton Lienert-Brown and Crusaders’ Quinten Strange were surprised to be taken off for HIAs during their recent clash. Crusaders captain Scott Barrett expressed his frustration with the mouthguards, suggesting they may be influencing game outcomes. However, Crusaders head coach Rob Penney supported the use of the technology for player protection. Chiefs head coach Clayton McMillan also emphasized the importance of player welfare and protecting players in a physical game. As the new technology continues to be implemented, it remains to be seen how players and coaches will adapt to its impact on gameplay.

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