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Disturbing scenes as Toulouse star Romain Ntamack stretchered off after sickening tackle and fall
By Sam Smith
In a stark reminder of just how dangerous the game can be, Toulouse and French star Romain Ntamack was stretchered off the field after a horrific concussion in his side's Top 14 semi-final win over Bordeaux.
There were immediate concerns for Ntamack's safety after a sickening fall that occurred after being knocked out during a rush tackle from centre Ulupano Seuteni.
The flyhalf collapsed with his head bowed, and then took a second head knock as he hit the ground leading to concerns about his neck. The incident halted play as match doctors rushed to Ntamack's assistance before stretchering him off.
The scare was tempered somewhat by Ntamack giving the crowd a thumbs up as he left the field, but the blow will rule Ntamack out indefinitely and the sight of Ntamack on the turf was a haunting look for the game trying to rule out such instances.
Toulouse head coach Ugo Mola indicated as much in the after-match press conference, saying it would be 'difficult' for him to line up in the final. He said that there will be other finals for Ntamack, and the club will not risk his health.
It was a much-needed response from the club official, not downplaying the severity of the incident and putting Ntamack's health first.
Mola spoke of the experience of Yoann Huget, who's career was ended with an injury, as a key reason why they could not rush Ntamack back.
"It will be difficult to have Romain Ntamack on the team sheet on Friday night for the final," said Toulouse coach Ugo Mola.
"To say that Romain Ntamack was not knocked out would be heresy. The last one who was not knocked out was unfortunately seriously injured the following week and was forced to retire from sports due to an injury: it is Yoann Huget.
"So in any case, we won't take any risk with Romain's health. He's a young guy. I can understand the urge to play a final. But a 22 year old guy, with his talent and the friends he has, I have the impression that he will play others in the finals.
"So we are not going to take any risks and it is the medical profession that will decide."
Bordeaux were leading 15-14 when the tackle occurred, but Seutini was red carded for the incident reducing his side to 14-men for the final twenty minutes.
Toulouse fought to a 24-21 win setting up a rematch with La Rochelle for the Top 14 final, a side they beat to claim the European title last month.
Warning: The video of the tackle contains graphic content
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Latest Comments
What about the Argentina players rating?
Go to commentsWell said except Argentina is most certainly not an “emerging nation” as far as rugby is concerned. If you’re making global-social-political claim, then I’m out of my depth entirely.
Argentina by multiple leagues of magnitude played better than Ireland today. Striking away a try in the 2nd minute did not necessarily lead to Arg demise, but as we all know, rugby is such an emotional game that then to be down 12-0 over nothing is gut-wrenching, especially as it was effectively a 19 point swing. Argentina’s fight back throughout the rest of the match was laudable.
A howl of great sadness for a beautiful sport that has criminal administrators, feckless refs, foppish TMOs, idiotic tv pundits, et al. attempting to collectively suicide the whole thing. No fault of the players or coaches necessarily. We have a situation where punitive cards that detract away from the essence and loftiness of the game itself are celebrated to a degree that is pathologically purblind. Rugby has created for itself a fetish for punishment rather than simply allowing the game to be played. Shameful.
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