Scotland v Ireland Sexton failed HIA

[L'irlandais]

Irish Rugby Football Union’s updated post concussion guidelines, suggest a Graduated return to play of 19 to 21 days for a senior player in the Amateur game, following a failed HIA. A handy wallet form of the guidance is available to download on the linked page.

The main difference between the Amateur game and the Professional game must surely be the increasing force of impacts. My question is this, how can Joe Schmidt be so confident that Jonathan Sexton will be available to play in two weeks time? Intuitive perhaps, or does he simply know the medical team will bend to his will?

Link to video of incident

[L'irlandais]

No takers. How can Sexton possibly play on the 24th of this month (15 days time) when he cannot participate in contact sports/training for the next 19 / 21 days under GRTP protocols.

They will not return to contact sport until 19-21 days following the injury but they will be allowed to do more low-risk activities and exercise in the first two weeks.

Previous advice had been for players to rest and abstain from any activity for the first 14-15 days following the injury. It is now advised that after the initial 24-48 hour rest period, players gradually return to normal day to day activities and non-sport activities, as long as the activity does not exacerbate the symptoms.

Here’s betting Joe Schmidt does a U-turn on his statement that the HIA had been failed. As he did previously, when Jonathan Sexton was concussed during a Game on 17 December 2017. Subsequently failed the HIA test and yet was deemed fit to play Munster on 26 December 2017 for a boxing day derby match.

I seem to remember the IRFU being fairly critical about Sexton’s french employers not taking his safety seriously enough, way back in 2014. When Racing 92 actually did without the number 10 for an extended 12 week period, to safeguard him, following 4 in a row suspected concussions. Source. Although Jonnie disputes the French Doctor’s claim, saying he has only ever had 2 concussions during his entire career.

[nhughes]

Odd thing for Joe to say given his attention to detail but I suspect Johnny would be rested for the Italy game anyway and Carberry will start.

[Decorily]

Actually, AFAIK, the return to play protocol only starts when the player is 'symptom free' which means it could in theory be any number of days after the injury before the countdown starts.
However on the other hand if a Doctor is willing to state that the player was not concussed in the first place then they can return immediately.

[crossref]

However on the other hand if a Doctor is willing to state that the player was not concussed in the first place then they can return immediately.

I imagine that is what will happen ...

[L'irlandais]

If you look back at the precedent of 2017, Joe said that Sexton had not failed the HIA, yet was swiftly contradicted by Leinster Rugby who insisted that the player had in fact failed his HIA. But low and behold he was back in the starting line up a week later.
I am no doctor, but he certainly had that «*What day are we?*» look on his face and was only subbed off because he was all at sea. Conor Murray was even preparing to take the conversion kick, to avoid undue delay.

When the French doctor insisted he have a 12 week layoff in 2014, Sexton was furious, saying he would be fine in two or three weeks.

[Zebra1922]

The main difference between the amateur and professional return to play timelines is (or should be!) the medical care. A professional will usually have at least daily assessments as they return from concussion, this is very unlikely at the amateur level hence the more conservative approach and timeline for return

[crossref]

Professionals with concussion are returned to play because they have better medical care?


Or perhaps because they have worse care ...

[L'irlandais]

Headway concussion aware suggests even professionals should sit it out, when it comes to doubts about health matters. There is no doubt, Sexton had a head injury. So absolutely no reason why he would be playing in two weeks time. It is completely irresponsible of coaching / medical staff to play with words. What sort of example are they setting for the grassroots game? IRFU spends a small fortune on an information campaign to raise awareness and their own employees then ignore the recommendations on National television. Bravo.

[Decorily]

Headway concussion aware suggests even professionals should sit it out, when it comes to doubts about health matters. There is no doubt, Sexton had a head injury. So absolutely no reason why he would be playing in two weeks time. It is completely irresponsible of coaching / medical staff to play with words. What sort of example are they setting for the grassroots game? IRFU spends a small fortune on an information campaign to raise awareness and their own employees then ignore the recommendations on National television. Bravo.

The players themselves have an equal responsibility to ensure their own wellbeing and should make the correct call for themselves. (Not necessarily on match day but in the following weeks.)