The issue of safety in rugby (or lack thereof) was the main talking point from tonight's Aviva Premiership clash between Leicester Tigers and Northampton Saints at Welford Road.
After sixteen minutes, North took to the sky to pluck a ball under pressure from Adam Thompstone. Colliding mid-air, North fell awkwardly and looked to be knocked out cold upon impact with the turf. As Thompstone hared off after the ball, North lay motionless. Here is the incident:
Thompstone was yellow-carded, and North recovered consciousness a few moments later. He went off for the mandatory Head Injury Assessment, only to return a few minutes later. Given the fact that he appeared to be out cold, and the fact that North has a history of head injuries, Northampton were heavily criticised for allowing him to return to play a few minutes later.
Given the storm surrounding the incident, Northampton have moved to release a statement.
George was attended to by the Northampton Saints medical team rapidly after landing on his side following a challenge in the air by Adam Thompstone. George was communicating immediately with attending medics and complaining of neck pain.
Significant neck injury was excluded on the field but on review of video footage pitch side, the team followed World Rugby protocols and used a Head Injury Assessment given the potential mechanism for head injury. George was fully assessed by the doctor and passed fit to return to play.
Northampton Saints places the highest importance on player care and their safety is the club’s primary concern.
North also tweeted after the game:
Thanks for all the messages. I am ok. I landed on my neck and was worried about it. Thanks to the medics for checking me out properly. 1/2
— George North (@George_North) December 3, 2016
I can't help but feel I won't be looking left or right for a few days. Thanks again for the messages. Onwards to Europe. 2/2
— George North (@George_North) December 3, 2016
