From Workshop to Practice: Hollard’s Role in Rugby Risk Management

Tony sits down with Elna van Wyk, Chief Operating Officer at Hollard Group Risk, to explore the insurer's pivotal role in redefining concussion and injury risk management in South African rugby. Fresh off hosting an industry-first concussion workshop with SA Rugby and MyPlayers, Elna shares how Hollard brought together a rare multidisciplinary group, including scientists, medical specialists, reinsurers, player representatives, and world-renowned concussion expert Professor John Patricios, to tackle one of sport’s most urgent challenges.

Elna explains why concussion is such a complex, fast-evolving issue globally, and why Hollard responsible for providing income protection and group risk cover to professional players must stay at the forefront of medical and technological advances. She highlights the leadership role South Africa plays through initiatives like BokSmart, and how new developments such as instrumented mouthguards are transforming the detection and management of head impacts.

The discussion also dives into the unique dynamics of insuring high-risk athletes: players who are driven to return to the field as quickly as possible, the importance of medically supervised downtime, and the collaborative model that ensures claims are managed responsibly while still prioritising athlete health.

Elna reflects on the sustainability of rugby risk products, how injury-prevention insights influence product design, and whether this collaborative model can be used across other sports. Her message to insurers is clear: prevention, active case management, and cross-disciplinary partnerships are essential to protecting players and ensuring long-term product viability.

Whether you work in insurance, sports science, medical risk, or simply love the game, this episode offers a fascinating look at how world-class risk management keeps rugby moving forward, safer, smarter, and more sustainably than ever.