Having read the article about Shontayne Hape and his problems with concussion made me wonder how Dennis Ramsdale is these days? A very brave winger who did have more then his fair share of hits to the head?
Anyone know how he is?

true - my point was that neither the clubs nor the governing bodies pay enough attention to the issue until it becomes something they really care about: the contents of their wallets.

It'd only be a small measure, and it wouldn't be a perfect solution, but perhaps head guards should be compulsory - particularly in junior rugby. I've never played without one and yet I've been knocked out my fair share of times, however I'd like to think it reduced the damage done by at least a little bit.

Additionally I think by not allowing players who've taken a knock to the head to re-enter the game you may unintentionally encourage players to play on through a head injury and not report it for fear of being forced off. A strict test on whether the player is fit to continue is the best we can hope for but even then that system has massive flaws.

I didnt think head guards did anything for concussion though? I maybe be wrong though. I also heard that they may actually make things worse as they lull players into a false sense of security, again maybe wrong though.

You could well be right there; I've never really looked into it too much but I suppose no flexible material could fully protect against some of the hits that go in at the top level (plus I always find they block out a lot of noise, making communication harder). Still, even if it's only a minor improvement in safety, it's still a step in the right direction.

the ball was like a medicine ball in them days though...