World Rugby release new dictate on a minimum off-field time for HIAs

World Rugby has sent out a fresh dictate on the minimum time to be taken int he case of a Head Injury Assessment (HIA).

It is 10 minutes.

If a player goes off to have a possible head injury assessment, he is not allowed back for at least 10 minutes, even if the assessment was completed within 10 minutes and no injury was detected.

World Rugby continues to be concerned about head injuries.

In its instruction, World Rugby states: "Acting in accordance with the Bye-Laws and on behalf of Council the World Rugby Executive Committee have agreed that the HIA 1 off-field screen be for a fixed period of 10 minutes (actual time).

"A player cannot return to play before 10 minutes even if the HIA 1 assessment has been completed in less than ten minutes. If a player fails to present to the

4th official before the 10-minute period is completed that player will be deemed to have been permanently replaced.

"The implementation date for the amendment will take effect globally for all Tournaments, Competitions and Test matches starting on or after 26 August 2017 and from the commencement of the 2017/2018 Japan Top League season."