Five shocking rugby incidents we must learn from if we want this great game to be enjoyed by future generations
This is written by Progressive Rugby
The potential consequences of brain injury in rugby is big news and it’s a story that isn’t going to go away. Concussion recognition and management has significantly improved but there’s plenty of work still to be done. Below are five incidents we must learn the lessons from if rugby is to thrive.
Parc des Princes, 28th September 2007: Lewis Moody – England v Tonga, RWC2007
Lewis Moody didn’t have any other gear than full throttle. But against Tonga ‘Mad Dog’ really put himself at risk. Knocked out in the first half trying to charge down a kick, Moody remained on the pitch and was knocked out a second time. Incredibly he was allowed to again continue because in those days the ‘player knew best’. Moody’s wife Annie, whose job it would be to wake her husband up every hour following concussions, later said: “To know what I know now, it terrifies me to think that second hit could have been it.” Since his retirement, Moody has been a vocal supporter of continued research into concussion in rugby so players know how important it is to look after their brain health.
Carrickfergus (County Antrim, NI), 29th January 2011: Benjamin Robinson - Carrickfergus Grammar v Dalriada School, Medallion Shield (Ulster U15s competition)
Benjamin Robinson was just 14-years-old when he collapsed and later died in hospital from second impact syndrome following a schoolboy match. Despite the fact that junior players should be immediately removed if there is any doubt, Benjamin was checked three times and incorrectly asked Maddocks questions before being allowed to continue. Despite his mother’s pleas to remove him, Benjamin remained on the field and moments from the end was involved in a collision from which he did not regain consciousness. It was a tragedy that should never have happened and sent shockwaves through the rugby community. His father and mother, Peter and Karen, now dedicate themselves to raising awareness about concussion recognition and management. Peter said: “If you suspect a child has concussion they come off - that’s the end of it. No Maddocks questions, no wagging a finger in front of their face, they just come off and seek the advice of a medical professional who can determine when they are fit to return to the sport. If in doubt, sit them out.”
Sydney Stadium, 6th July 2013: George Smith v British and Irish Lions, Third Test
With the 2013 series poised tantalisingly at 1-1, this winner-takes-all match was barely five minutes old when veteran flanker George Smith clashed heads with Lions hooker Richard Hibbard. Smith was clearly in dire straits and after treatment was helped off the field with the support of two medical staff. It was impossible not to note that his left hand was shaking and left leg appeared to be visibly collapsing beneath him. Five minutes later Smith, to the astonishment of almost everybody, returned to the field. The incident generated widespread criticism and was a driving factor behind concussion protocols being adapted. Amendments were made to ensure players demonstrating clear signs of concussion were removed from the field immediately and permanently without undergoing any pitch-side testing. This change in protocol is worth noting as you read the next incident below.
Twickenham, 26th February 2022: Tomas Francis – England v Wales, Six Nations
Perhaps because of heightened awareness or perhaps just because it was so blindingly obvious, the failure to permanently remove Welsh prop Tomas Francis from the fray provoked plenty of headlines. Firstly, because people were surprised to see him return to the field following a Head Injury Assessment (HIA) as he had demonstrated clear signs of concussion (ataxia (balance issues) and clearly dazed) after heavily clashing heads with Owen Watkins. Secondly, because a formal investigation into the incident found correct process had not been followed and that the player should have been removed permanently under World Rugby guidelines brought about to avoid incidents like the George Smith one above. No disciplinary action was taken, and bizarrely no one in a position of power has acknowledged the fact that Francis passing his HIA while having a concussion throws serious doubt on the HIA protocol itself…….
Causeway Stadium, 11th April 2004: Paul Volley/Lawrence Dallaglio, Heineken Cup
During the first half Lawrence Dallaglio and fellow backrow Paul Volley were both knocked unconscious after clashing heads making a tackle. Gloucester prop Phil Vickery even put Volley in the recovery position and, after five minutes of treatment, the footage of Volley being helped to his feet like a new-born foal is haunting. Astonishingly, despite overwhelming evidence both had suffered a brain injury, the duo were allowed to continue, with Guardian journalist Rob Kitson noting ‘at half-time Dallaglio was still sufficiently groggy to have to be led towards the tunnel’. Terrifying.
“Bizarrely no one in a position of power has acknowledged the fact that Francis passing his HIA while having a concussion throws serious doubt on the HIA protocol itself…….”