NTT Japan Rugby League One 2024-25 - Introduction of smart mouthguard to the HIA Protocol 

Japan Rugby League One announces that the league will feature Instrumented Mouthguard technology for its 2024-25 season which kicks off on 21 December in accordance with the introduction of the smart mouthguards into the existing HIA protocol at all elite competitions that start from the start of January 2024. 

Summary

【What has changed?】

The Instrumented Mouthguards are incorporated to the HIA1 assessment process. 

The Instrumented Mouthguards will provide in-game alerts, to the independent pitch side medical team. In the eventuality that a player experiences a head acceleration event the match day medical staff will receive an alert to be able to inform the Team Medics and Match Officials that a player needs to be removed for an off-field HIA1 assessment. No aspects of the HIA protocol are being removed or replaced, instead the introduction of Instrumented Mouthguards is an additional safeguard to improve player protection. 

【Matches the iMG will be used】

All regular and post season matches of DIVISION1 and 2 except Promotion/ Relegation matches between DIVISION2 and 3  

【Reference】

Click here more information on World Rugby's HIA Protocol

What is iMG?

iMG（Instrumented Mouthguard：Custom fitted mouthguards designed to deliver in-game alerts）
Mouthguards embedded with sensors. Their use provides insight into head acceleration event frequency and magnitude during training and match-play, which holds promise in informing the management of chronic load. The iMG still works to protect player's teeth and jaw same as conventional mouthguards.