Last night's U20s Six Nations game between England and Italy ended in controversy, with England's team doctors coming under fire for their response to a potential concussion.
With England losing in the dying moments of the game, wing Deago Bailey leapt for the ball and landed awkwardly, with his head hitting the pitch at speed. The response of the England doctors to the incident was poor, as they attempted to argue that he did not need a HIA.
England v Italy: U20s game ends under a cloud as HIA ignored
England fell to a surprise loss against Italy in the second round of the U20s Six Nations on Friday night, with the Azzurri grinding out a 6-0 win in Treviso.
With England looking for a way back into the game in the closing stages, star man Deago Bailey collided with another player in the air and came down hard on his head. He lay on the ground holding his head for several moments and the team doctors were called on to the pitch.
Thread: The HIA issue at the end of the U20s Italy v England match.
1) pic.twitter.com/5DCKznLm1W— Sam Larner (@SamLStandsUp) February 11, 2022
After treating Bailey, the team doctors told the referee that the Bristol Bears wing was fit to continue, but referee Aurelie Groizeleau informed them that an independent match doctor had recommended a head injury assessment for a possible concussion.
Incredibly, the team doctors initially refused the request and again asserted that Bailey was fit to continue for the final three minutes of the game. Upon being told that the instruction for a HIA had come from an independent match doctor, one of the England medical team responded, "I am a doctor though."
The Doctor continues hectoring but is firmly informed that the match doctor makes the call. He eventually backs down, less than calmly, and escorts the player off the pitch.
7) pic.twitter.com/vi2klur8L8— Sam Larner (@SamLStandsUp) February 11, 2022
Eventually, the England doctors relented and made the right choice in taking Bailey off the pitch, but their delay in making that call raises serious questions about their attitudes to player welfare.
Though Bailey himself appeared to argue his case for remaining on the pitch, that should not sway a decision when it comes to a potential concussion. His impact with the ground warranted a check for concussion, at the very least, and the insistence on keeping Bailey on the pitch is damning for the English medical team.
The defeat to Italy leaves England trailing behind Ireland in the U20s table. The Irish team pulled off an incredible last minute triumph over France on Friday night to go top of the table. The Italians will travel to Dublin for their next game, while England host Wales.
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