The Rugby World Cup was the first to feature the High Tackle Sanction Framework, which was developed from the largest ever study into concussion cause in rugby.

World Rugby say the framework is an evidence-based process designed to aid a reduction in concussion risk by changing player behaviour from high-risk upright to lower-risk bent-at-the-waist tackles.

The governing body say figures from the Rugby World Cup suggest the approach has been effective.

A 28 per cent overall concussion rate decrease was reported at the tournament compared to 2018 elite competition average, while a 37 per cent reduction in tackle concussion rate was also highlighted.

"These hugely encouraging outcomes of this study endorse our unwavering evidence-based commitment to injury prevention, particularly our continued efforts to protect players from concussive events on the rugby field wherever possible,” said Beaumont.

"The significant reduction in concussion incidents provides compelling evidence of what can be achieved when competition owners, match officials, disciplinary officers, players and coaches fully buy in to the High Tackle Sanction Framework.

“Failure to do so can have significant player welfare and performance consequences."

World Rugby say the combination of reduced concussion incidents and players adapting behaviour in response to the law application and zero tolerance directive on head contact delivered a positive change.

The governing body added that alignment between match officials and the off-field judicial team regarding the framework’s objectives saw yellow card sanctions at the tournament increase by 74 per cent and red cards by 138 per cent, compared to the 2018 elite competition average.

The deterrent was claimed to have been a direct contributing factor to the reduction in overall concussion rates.

World Rugby say the tournament also saw an overall reduction in injury rates from 90 injuries per 1,000 player hours in 2015 to 83 injuries per 1,000 player hours.

Injury replacements per match also reduced from 2.08 per match in 2015 to 1.13 in 2019.

“World Rugby’s role is to provide the best possible standard of care to our players, driven by an evidence-based approach,” said Dr Éanna Falvey, World Rugby chief medical officer.

"Rugby World Cup 2019 was the pinnacle of the men’s test game and a major platform to showcase best practice in our sport.

“The medical standards implemented at the tournament achieved strong outcomes thanks to the buy-in from teams and medical staff.

"The High Tackle Sanction Framework was introduced this year following compelling research that illustrates that the tackle is responsible for 76 per cent of all concussions, the tackler sustains 72 per cent of all concussions in the tackle and head injury is four times greater risk with high tackles.

"At Japan 2019, and all test matches since implementation in May 2019, we have been looking to protect players by changing culture and getting the tackler lower.

“These very positive outcomes suggest that teams embraced the challenge, resulting in a reduced injury risk, which is very encouraging.

"We will be presenting these findings at the second annual World Rugby Player Welfare and Laws Symposium this week and will continue to adopt a collaborative and evidence-based approach to understanding where we can further reduce the risk of concussion in our sport."

The Rugby World Cup took place from September 20 to November 2 last year.

South Africa beat England 32-12 in the final to earn their third Rugby World Cup title.