THE dangers of concussion for sportsmen and women will be highlighted at a special event at York St John University next week.

A former rugby player, a neuropsychologist and a barrister will be among the guest speakers at the presentation evening, Concussion In Sport Today.

A spokeswoman said discussions will focus on the physical, medical and legal issues relating to concussion in sport at all levels – from the school to the stadium.

She said the event at De Grey Court Reception and Lecture Theatre, which runs from 5pm to 8pm on Wednesday, would be hosted jointly by the university’s Faculty of Health and Life Science and Minster Law.

It would be open to the public andparticularly anyone involved in teaching, coaching, officiating or organising boxing, football and rugby.

She said an introduction would be given at 5.30pm by David Sears, a specialist catastrophic injury solicitor at Minster Law.

David Jackson, 32, a former rugby union player for Nottingham, will then be giving a personal account of the impact of concussion on the life of a professional sportsman.

The winger was forced to retire in December 2013 after suffering a head injury in pre-season training. He saw a specialist, underwent some scans and was advised he should never play again.

The spokeswoman said Dr Steven Kemp, a Leeds-based neuropsychologist, would talk about mild traumatic brain injury generally and sport-related concussion, while Dale Forsdyke, a senior lecturer in sports injury management, would discuss sportsmen returning to sport following a head injury.

Craig Moore, a barrister and specialist member of the Football Association’s judicial panel, would also give a legal perspective about safeguarding and monitoring.

There would also be an opportunity to view information posters created by sports injury management students on the topic, she added.

• For further information or to reserve a place at the event, phone 01904 663140 or email RSVP@minsterlaw.co.uk