Wales face scrutiny over North injury

The international controlling body for the game, World Rugby, have requested a report from the Welsh Rugby Union in the wake of the concussion suffered by wing George North during his team's Six Nations defeat by England.

North, 22, sustained two heavy blows to the head during Wales's 16-21 loss at the Millennium Stadium on Friday, but although he left the field to be assessed after the first, he remained on the pitch following the second.

Wales coach Warren Gatland defended his medical staff for allowing North to complete the game, but World Rugby has asked the WRU to explain that decision.

"North, who sustained the impact in the 61st minute of the match, remained on the field and, having undertaken an initial review of the broadcast footage, World Rugby is seeking to establish from the WRU whether all concussion management protocols were appropriately followed," the governing body said in a statement.

Separately, the WRU said on Saturday that North had shown no ill-effects after the two incidents, but that his condition would be monitored.

"In relation to George North, he passed head injury protocol tests that were carried out in the medical room in addition to an on-pitch assessment," the WRU said.

"He also showed no signs and symptoms when follow-up tests were carried out immediately after the game.

"While George is currently symptom-free, retrospective video review of the second incident identified the mechanism of injury which was previously unsighted on the field of play.

"This review has warranted the medical team to manage the player as concussed although the player currently has no signs and symptoms."

The full statement by World Rugby: "World Rugby has requested a full report from the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) following an apparent head impact sustained by Wales wing George North in the second half of Friday night's Six Nations match between Wales and England at the Millennium Stadium, Cardiff.

"North, who sustained the impact in the 61st minute of the match remained on the field and, having undertaken an initial review of the broadcast footage, World Rugby is seeking to establish from the WRU whether all concussion management protocols were appropriately followed.

"Concussion management and education is at the heart of World Rugby's player welfare strategy designed to protect players at all levels of the game and promote the very highest standards of education, coaching and medical care."

They finished the statement with: #RecogniseAndRemove