A LEADING neuropathologist has called for rugby's head injury assessment protocol to be re-examined after a top international player was allowed to continue playing despite apparently being concussed during a Six Nations clash.
Dr Willie Stewart, consultant neuropathologist at the Southern General Hospital in Glasgow, said he was "sickened" that Welsh star George North resumed playing after twice being injured during their loss to England on Friday.
North underwent mandatory concussion assessment after an accidental boot in the head in the first-half, but returned to the field and later clashed heads with a team-mate.
Millions watching on TV saw North fall, apparently unconscious, but the incident was not seen by team medics and the 22-year-old wing carried on.
Dr Stewart, a world authority on concussion in sport who has identified a link between early onset dementia and concussion in rugby, said: "I was incredibly disappointed. I think in 2015 the events that took place on Friday evening you wouldn't expect to happen.
"It illustrated to me in one sense how far we've come with concussion in sport, but how far we've still got to go.
"It's clear in the head injury assessment protocol, as we've tried to advise it be amended, that if a player loses consciousness or is even suspected of losing consciousness they must be immediately removed from the field and not take any further part in the game - no sideline assessments to see whether they are fit to go back on, they must be removed."
Speaking about North's injury, he said: "I accept the guys at the touchline may be unsighted and may not see it in real time - I'll confess I didn't see it in real time, but I did get the chance to see replays and I did get a chance to see that incident and I felt sickened that he managed to stay on."
Dr Stewart said that the protocol must be "absolutely watertight".
World Rugby, the game's governing body, requested a full report from Welsh rugby bosses after the incident, which took place in the 61st minute of Wales' 21-16 defeat in Cardiff.
Wales squad management later said North "showed no signs and symptoms when follow-up tests were carried out immediately after the game", but he would now "undertake a graduated return-to-play protocol with multiple follow-up cognitive and physical tests".
Wales' medics will have a live video feed in future games in a bid to avoid missing such incidents.
Wales play Scotland next.
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