The head injury assessment (HIA) is an extremely important protocol. We do not – and will not – compromise on player welfare.
We note the Six Nations HIA review process findings and cooperated fully with the review undertaken by Six Nations.
Our medical personnel are very experienced and we completely support all of their actions during the England v Wales Guinness Six Nations match, which were entirely appropriate and in accordance with all the relevant protocols. They were unsighted to the incident involving Tomas Francis in real time and, as had been agreed prior to the match, Francis was removed from the field of play to undertake his HIA with the independent match day doctor. This was duly performed and Francis was deemed fit to return to the field of play by the independent match day doctor following completion of the HIA.
We are committed to continuing to work with Six Nations, World Rugby and other unions in respect of these matters.
