World Rugby dismiss "misperceptions" on playing risks ahead of England 2015

World Rugby claim there are “several misperceptions” about the risks of rugby following the results of the Sportswise Survey ©World Rugby

World Rugby claim there are “several misperceptions” about the risks of playing the sport after a survey found that 59 per cent of parents believe it causes the most injuries.

The Sportswise survey, which involved 1,000 parents across Britain and the Republic of Ireland, was conducted ahead of the upcoming Rugby World Cup, which runs from September 18 to October 31 in England.

It found that those who took part have a particular concern about injuries caused by the sport, but World Rugby say their research has proven that such fears are unfounded.

The figure revealed by the survey was higher than other sports including 30 per cent for horse riding and skating and 28 per cent for ice hockey.

Four out of five respondents did, however, say the risk of injury has not stopped them allowing their children to take part in sport or activity generally.

"There are several misperceptions about the risk of rugby," World Rugby said in a statement.

The organisation has now moved to quell any concerns over concussion and other injuries as the World Cup edges closer, saying that research they have undertaken shows rugby is no more risky for children to play than other sports.

“We are committed to becoming the leader in all sports when it comes to player welfare,” World Rugby chief executive Brett Gosper said.

“Rugby is a game for everybody; different types of the game suit different people with different skills and body shapes and sizes.

“Beyond contact rugby, we offer a wide variety such as mini, tag, touch and beach rugby.

“The goal is to get people involved and inspired – hopefully starting with the success of Rugby World Cup 2015.

“With that we are striving to ensure the game is as safe as possible not only in terms of injury prevention but all elements of player welfare and we are looking forward to a great tournament.”

Wales' George North was involved in one of the most high-profile concussion cases after he suffered the injury during a Six Nations match with England earlier this year ©Getty Images

The survey also revealed 35 per cent of parents feel the risk of children taking supplements concerns them, with World Rugby responding by reiterating their anti-doping message through their “Keep Rugby Clean” programme, which aims to educate players on the issue in order to ensure they stay clean.

The Rugby World Cup will be the first-ever international tournament to implement a 10-point player welfare standards programme, where medics will get the chance to see a 360 degree view of any injuries that occur during matches using Hawk-Eye’s SMART Replay technology.

“Player welfare is the number one priority for World Rugby,” World Rugby chief medical officer Martin Raftery added.

“We are continually undertaking research to try to reduce and remove risks from the game.

“This new research will inform our campaigns and education moving forward.

“While we are making positive progress, there is still a way to go and our aim is to make rugby as safe as possible at all levels and to lead the way for all sports."