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Open letter claims 'flagrant breach of HIA protocol' in Francis incident

By PA
(Photo by Getty Images)

The handling of an incident involving Wales’ Tomas Francis in Saturday’s clash with England has been criticised as a “clear and flagrant breach” of head injury assessment protocol.

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Prop Francis sustained a head injury in the 20th minute of the Six Nations contest at Twickenham.

In an open letter to World Rugby, the Welsh Rugby Union and Six Nations Rugby, Progressive Rugby, a lobby group on player protection, said: “After England pressure their second row Charlie Ewels carries the ball into contact near the Welsh line. As a result, two Welsh players – Owen Watkins and Tomas Francis are left prone on the field.

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      “Watkins receives a clear and obvious injury with blood flowing from a cut to his head and is correctly removed for a head injury assessment (HIA) which he subsequently passes.”

      “Francis attempts to stand and falls back and struggled to get to his feet.

      “He is seen holding his head. He is then seen using the post for support. He displays clear signs of ataxia and of being dazed. He is seen by a physio/medic – it is not clear which.

      “Francis displayed clear symptoms/indications under the World Rugby Head Injury Assessment protocol that necessitate the immediate and permanent removal from play. No HIA was needed.

      “While, after a delay, Francis was removed from the field he was, incorrectly, allowed to undergo an HIA assessment and returned to the field, playing until the 56th minute, at which time he was permanently replaced by Leon Brown.

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      “Progressive Rugby is concerned that the events demonstrate that individuals who have incurred brain injury have continued to be permitted to play which will place them at likelihood of risk.

      “We consider the above incident demonstrates a clear and flagrant breach of HIA protocol that potentially puts both the short-term and long-term health of an elite athlete at risk.”

      The letter added: “In addition, we still await the outcome of investigations into the failure to remove (England’s) Jack Nowell from the field during the game against Italy (Feb 13) and behaviour of the England medical team at the culmination of the Italy v England U20 game (Feb 11).

      “It is our major concern that the public has observed that in Rugby Union individuals have incurred brain injury and been permitted to continue to play.

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      “Until satisfactory explanations are provided, we remain unable to accept World Rugby’s assertion that player welfare is the game’s number one priority.”

      The PA news agency has contacted World Rugby and the Welsh Rugby Union for comment.

      A statement from World Rugby on Sunday read: “Player welfare is paramount for everyone involved in rugby and a collaborative approach is at the heart of ensuring all processes, such as the Head Injury Assessment (HIA) operational in elite competitions, are followed for the good of the game.

      “As with other elite international competitions, World Rugby works alongside Six Nations Rugby, who conduct reviews following every Championship game, to identify and address any potential issues that arise from these matches.

      “This approach is supported by a dedicated HIA review process, which is available to tournament organisers where required.

      “Meanwhile, World Rugby can confirm that all match officials involved in the current Six Nations participated in an education workshop delivered by the Chief Medical Officer last week to reaffirm their critical role in supporting the HIA process.”

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      S
      Soliloquin 1 hour ago
      Why New Zealand learned more from their July series than France

      For Fischer, many people in France are still doubting him - it’s the first time he has a full season (31 games). Before, he was always injured at some point. He’s 27, so not the youngest, and you have a younger Boudehent or Jégou behind.

      His physicality is incredible, but he didn’t prove he’s got hands. He just proved he was able to defend like a beast.

      But you know, even Cros has improved his handling skills lately, so it’s never too late!

      And he will play the Champions Cup with a solid Bayonne side, so let’s see!


      I don’t agree with ‘only Fischer’: Brennan proved he’s a great 4/7 utility player, and Galthié likes those very much (Woki or Flament). He’s 23, playing for Toulouse with high concurrence, so the prospect is good. I rate him higher than Auradou, who had a few games in the 6 Nations.

      For Depoortère, he had a more silent season than the previous one - injured at the worst moment during the Autumn Tests series - but came back strong with a Champions Cup and a solid partnership with Moefana. What could save him would be to start playing as a 12 when Moefana isn’t there, bulking up and become the new Jauzion.

      But he’s 22 and an incredible talent at 13. His height makes me think he had more potential than your fan favorite Costes or the utility player that is Gailleton.


      As for Montagne or Mallez, with the lack of quality in props, they could find a spot!

      Especially Mallez who’s got a good spot to get behind Baille at Toulouse. Neti isn’t the youngest and hasn’t an international level.


      And again, as Ugo Mola said, you never play with your best team.

      So 30-32 player is more of a 38-40, so you need back-ups.

      France knows very well how useful they can be during RWCs.

      236 Go to comments
      S
      Soliloquin 1 hour ago
      Why New Zealand learned more from their July series than France

      Hastoy was a good prospect before the 2023 RWC, he was the fly-half who led La Rochelle to the victory in the Champions Cup final in Dublin against Leinster.

      But he made it to the squad only because Ntamack got his ACL.

      He played against Uruguay, which a terribly poor game by the French side, and since then he declined a bit, alongside his club.

      Under the pressure of Reus and West at 10, he regained some credit at the end of the season (among all a drop at the 81st minute of a game).

      He’s quite good everywhere, but not outstanding.

      He doesn’t have the nerves, the defense and the tactical brain of Ntamack, the leadership and the creativity of Ramos or the exceptional attacking skills of Jalibert.


      I really hope that:

      -Ntamack will get his knee back. The surgery went well. He wasn’t the most elusive player in the world, but he was capable of amazing rushes like the one against NZ in 2021 or the Brennus-winning try in 2023.

      -Jalibert will continue to improve his defense. He started working hard since March (after his defensive disaster against England) with a XIII specialist, and I’ve seen great moments, especially against Ntamack in the SF of the Champions Cup. It’s never too late. And it would be a great signal for Galthié.

      -Hastoy will build up his partnership with Le Garrec, that La Rochelle will start a new phase with them and Niniashvili, Alldritt, Atonio, Boudehent, Jegou, Bosmorin, Bourgarit, Nowell, Wardi, Daunivucu, Kaddouri, Pacôme…

      236 Go to comments
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