Six Nations controversial incident sparks concern as rugby officials questioned | Rugby | Sport

Serious questions have been raised over a contentious incident during the Wales vs Scotland Six Nations match, in which Gregor Brown was allowed to remain on the pitch after receiving a high hit from Joe Hawkins. Hawkins was shown a yellow card for the early high tackle, which appeared to leave Brown dazed after his head was jolted back by the impact. BBC pundits Alun Wyn Jones, Sam Warburton and Nigel Owens all suggested Hawkins could arguably have seen red for the challenge.

However, campaign group Progressive Rugby and a number of viewers have also voiced concern over the fact that Brown stayed on the pitch and was not required to undergo a Head Injury Assessment (HIA). Whilst Brown’s gumshield sensor did not trigger an immediate HIA requirement, the force of the blow and his apparent grogginess in the immediate aftermath should have resulted in his removal for assessment, according to Progressive Rugby.

Progressive Rugby labelled the incident as “concerning” and posted on social media: “The HIA protocol loses all credibility if it isn’t used as it should be.

“That (the gum shield detector) isn’t the sole arbiter – the way his head moved and the impact should have been enough to get him off, even if the IMG wasn’t triggered.

“It could be argued given his obvious immediate disorientation, that he was displaying category 1 concussive symptoms and should have been permanently removed from the pitch.”

Many viewers have also raised concerns over why Brown was permitted to stay on the field.

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