Director of rugby Conor O'Shea insists that coaches as well as players must sit up and take note after major changes to the way concussion is managed were announced.

A joint venture between Premiership Rugby, the Rugby Football Union (RFU) and the Rugby Players Association (RPA) has produced a new set of processes designed to improve understanding on the treatment of concussion.

The first element focuses on enhancing awareness and education of the injury through a compulsory online module to be taken by all registered professional players, coaches and referees.

The interactive programme lays out what concussion is and how to recognise the symptoms alongside the consequences of the injury and how to manage it effectively.

Failure to complete the module will initially result in a fine with the added option of suspending a player, coach or official until they have taken it.

And O'Shea is pleased the right steps are being taken to tackle head injuries in the sport.

"It's one of those hidden injuries, but potentially it is one of the most destructive," he said.

"I was approached by the RFU and Premiership Rugby to be part of the working group, purely to have that coaching input into how the programme should be evolved. The education of the coaches is just as important as the players.

"The issue is at the front of everyone's mind at the moment in terms of player welfare and making sure we are looking after them in what is increasingly a more physical sport.

"I was a player myself in 'the good old days' when it was more a badge of honour. You got up and you played on, but god knows what you were storing up inside you.

"This isn't about being over-protective, this is about doing what's right.

"If we can make sure we are all looking after the players in the long run, it's something we should all buy into and hopefully everyone's contribution to this will ensure we are a better sport.

"Players have always been at the very centre of the game, but our understanding of what goes on behind them has improved.”

In addition to the module, the three parties have also focused on improvement to game day management and the graduated return to play for players who have suffered a concussion.

The Head Injury Assessment (HIA) process will be used in all Aviva Premiership Rugby matches this season, with cases of confirmed or suspected concussion resulting in the affected player being removed from the pitch.

The memory test has been strengthened and the balance test altered, while the assessment has also been extended from five to 10 minutes.

Another significant move will see all concussion cases and HIAs that occur during Aviva Premiership Rugby and England matches independently reviewed to assess and advise on the on-field management of these incidents.

The review process will be conducted by two experienced medical practitioners and also linked to the RFU disciplinary process, allowing sanctions in cases of negligence or foul play.

O'Shea reckons the steps mean there are no grey areas in terms of whether a player is fit to play.

"I've seen the module – it's a great step forward for us to be able to manage and control players,” he added.

"And for the players to understand that everything that has been done is for their own benefit.

"You have to have that punishment aspect of it or else you're leaving it up to opinion. This is medical fact and the medics are the people who look after our players, full-stop.

"Everyone knows where they stand so you know when you have a head injury during a game. Actually it's a brain injury. When you put it in those terms people understand that this is not to be messed with.

"Everyone now knows what you need to do about your return to play and they know the measures they have to hit and if they don't hit them, they don't play.”