FAQ

The product has been designed to reduce the risk of injury in rugby players by efficiently managing head impact energy.

Utilising our cutting edge defentex™ impact management technology, N-Pro is designed to reduce the G-Force energy transferred to a player’s head during impact. Our N-Pro head guard manages G-Force impact energy through its multi-layer construction, providing the player with an extra level of protection from injury.

The Rugby Football Union Injury audit for the 2020/21 season showed that for the 10th consecutive season, concussion was the most common reported match injury, accounting for 28% of all match injuries, with an average time loss of 22 days.

The most common injury in the tackle to both the ball carrier and tackler was concussion, making up 48% of all injuries to the tackler and 32% to the ball carrier.

Concussion is a subset of TBI and is often referred to as a “mild” traumatic brain injury (mTBI). N-Pro has been designed to help reduce the incidence and severity of injuries, by actively managing head impacts.

No product can claim to protect you from injury 100%. We have tested this product extensively, both in the laboratory and in match scenarios, to ensure that N-Pro can reduce your risk of sustaining a injury. To date, we have achieved unprecedented scientific results to demonstrate the product's safety and effectiveness.

Answered simply – the areas of the head it covers. The occipital, parietal, temporal, frontal, mastoid and sphenoid regions of the skull. It does not protect the neck, face or jaw regions.

N-Pro has been designed to be used by players at all levels. Children and adults, professionals and amateurs, males and females, backs & forwards, in Rugby Union or Rugby League.

Brain injuries are extremely serious and need to be managed correctly by medical professionals. We strongly advise that any player feeling unwell during or after a game should seek medical assistance immediately.

N-Pro has been designed, developed and tested to the highest standards. This means that our product is extensively tested, and our results have been independently examined by relevant experts to ensure that the product is safe and meets internationally recognised requirements.

To date, N-Pro has undergone comprehensive bench testing to validate its safety and ensure that it meets internationally recognised safety requirements. In addition, our product has been used in a randomised, controlled pre-clinical study, which examined both neuro cognitive behaviour and neurological blood biomarkers. This pre-clinical study demonstrated a significant reduction in TBI indicators.

A pilot player study was completed with rugby players in the Ulster Academy during 2016. The results were very positive from a product safety and usability perspective. Players fed back that the product did not affect their peripheral vision and that it felt more comfortable and premium than standard head guards. Player’s brain activity (EEG) and bloods were also analysed to confirm if the N-Pro could provide protective effects at a clinical level. The study was designed to validate the N-Pro’s safety and usability and was independently conducted by Ulster University. The results were analysed by an independent biostatistician. Preliminary results indicated that the N-Pro can confer protective effects to the user, in individual player case studies. Contego will continue to monitor product safety as per their post-market surveillance responsibilities, and will run further studies with players in real world playing conditions to further validate product effectiveness.

The CE mark indicates that a product is compliant with the relevant EU legislation. The UKCA mark indicates that a product is compliant with the relevant UK legislation.

CE marking is a mandatory conformity marking for certain products sold within the European Economic Area (EEA) since 1985. CE marking is the manufacturer's declaration that the product meets the requirements of the applicable EC directives. It is illegal to place any protective headgear on sale in the EEA without the relevant certification.

N-Pro has received Category II PPE certification from a European Notified Body and is legally approved to use the CE and UKCA mark.

N-Pro may look like other rugby headgear, but it performs very differently. Current head guards are designed to prevent cuts, abrasions and “cauliflower ears”; they only provide minimal impact protection.

• N-Pro has been scientifically proven to reduce the G-Force impact transferred to a player's head
• No other head guard on the market has adopted an evidence-based approach to product design, or been tested to this extent
• N-Pro has a replaceable chin strap, another first for rugby head guards

As part of N-Pro’s product design process, in addition to addressing its primary function in relation to reducing head trauma, we consulted with both professional and amateur players regarding usability issues to ensure that N-Pro would also be user-friendly product.

ISSUE	N-PRO DESIGN FEATURE
Too hot	N-Pro uses a combination of moisture wicking fabrics and air flow channels to ensure superior ventilation
Adversely affecting hearing	Ear openings which have been specially designed to optimise acoustics
Poor fit/uncomfortable to wear	Two levels of adjustment, at the back of the head and in the chin-strap, allow the player to custom-fit the product
Hygiene/cleanliness	All the components have been anti-bacterial treated to stop odours and bacteria forming in the product

N-Pro should be replaced 30 months after the purchase date. But just like any piece of safety equipment, it should be inspected before use; if you notice any problem with the product it should not be worn, and should be replaced immediately.

Yes, it can be worn by all ages. The developing brains in children and adolescents are more susceptible to mild traumatic brain injury than adult brain. Therefore, it is essential that any product worn by children can manage the energy from head impacts effectively.

MC	LC	S	M	L
Medium - Junior	Large - Junior	Small - Senior	Medium - Senior	Large - Senior
51cm	53cm	55cm	57cm	59cm

Individuals with pre-existing neurological conditions (e.g epilepsy, pre-existing brain trauma or history of concussions) should consult with a doctor before using N-Pro.

If a concussion or brain injury is suspected, you should seek immediate medical attention.

The product is manufactured in the UK.

At present, N-Pro is available in Black with 4 trim colour options. Green, Blue, White or Red. However, we intend launching new trim colour options during 2024.

• Cold hand wash only
• A soft cloth may be used, do not use wire or hard brushes which may damage the product
• Do not machine wash
• Do not bleach
• Do not tumble dry
• Do not iron
• Do not use soap, detergent or solvents. Use water only.

N-Pro is available in 5 sizes: MC - Medium Junior, LC - Large Junior, S - Small Senior, M - Medium Senior, L - Large Senior

Place a measuring tape around the head at eyebrow level, and measure the circumference of the head. Choose which size is suitable for you from the table below. If your head circumference is between sizes, select the larger size

MC	LC	S	M	L
Medium - Junior	Large - Junior	Small - Senior	Medium - Senior	Large - Senior
51cm	53cm	55cm	57cm	59cm