Wales wing George North should not have continued playing after his head injury in Friday’s Six Nations opener, World Rugby said on Tuesday.
But the sport’s governing body exonerated the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) of any blame in their handling of the player.
North took an accidental boot to the head from England lock Dave Attwood in the first half in Cardiff and he was temporarily replaced by Liam Williams while he underwent mandatory concussion assessment.
The 22-year-old subsequently returned to the field, but he then clashed heads with teammate Richard Hibbard during the second half in what appeared to be a worse incident.
North did not go off a second time, playing on as England started their Six Nations season with a 21-16 victory.
According to World Rugby, North “should not have remained on the field of play” as the “World Rugby head injury protocol clearly states that a player should be immediately and permanently removed from the field of play where there are any visible symptoms or suspicion of a potential concussion”.
But World Rugby said the WRU had followed correct protocol.
“….World Rugby accepts the WRU’s explanation that neither the team medical staff nor the independent doctor had sight of the incident and understands that the medics acted within the framework of information they had at the time and would have taken a different course of action had they had direct pitch-side visibility or access to the same broadcast footage seen by those watching on television.”
Wales resume their Six Nations campaign against Scotland at Murrayfield on Sunday and North still hopes to be passed fit to feature.
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.
Six months after the Wallabies’ worst World Cup result, Rugby Australia has announced a $9.2 million deficit from the 2023 season. The Roar can…
Sometimes it’s best to start at the finish. The Waratahs winning the Super W final 50-14 against the Drua was the cap to a…
After watching both NRL and Super Rugby over the weekend, it's clear there is significant talent coming through from both. But only one of…
The Tahs won 50-14 after going through the 2024 season undefeated and avenging the semi-final loss last year to Fijian Drua.
Jeniffer Ravutia lashed out with her foot while a Waratahs opponent was lying on the ground, and picked up her second yellow of the…
NSW was expecting the driving maul, but Karalaini Naisewa wrapped around the back and over to cut the lead to three points.
