This paper provides the socio-historical background to a research project which includes the investigation of the relationship between school rugby culture, ethnicity and attitudes towards the reporting of a concussion. It examines rugby culture in relation to the reporting of concussion by senior secondary school rugby players.  The concept of ‘Rugby culture' in the present research was defined as “the importance the school, staff, pupils and parents place on success in rugby” and is explored in-depth with respect to cultural, ethnic and historical parameters. In particular, the paper examines the inter-relationship of Māori culture and rugby culture in general.