Alix Popham in live radio attack over 'criminal' Wales incident as it emerges medics missed what happened

Former Wales international Alix Popham has slammed the decision to allow Tomas Francis and Owen Watkin to continue playing at Twickenham on Saturday.

In the first half of Wales' defeat to England, Francis and Watkin were both involved in a heavy collision that left them appearing to be struggling for balance on the field.

Blood poured from a cut on Watkin's head as he struggled to get to his feet, while Francis was seen leaning against a post for support.

Watkin was immediately removed from the field to have his cut tended to and he underwent a head injury assessment (HIA). But Francis was preparing for the next phase of play, a scrum near Wales' line, before the referee told him he had to leave for a HIA.

Both players returned to the field 10 minutes later.

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Popham was diagnosed with early onset dementia two years ago and his doctor believes he suffered 100,000 sub-concussions in his 14-year career.

The former back-rower is angry at what he witnessed on Saturday.

"At first attempt he [Francis] couldn't get up and it wasn't just Tomas Francis, it was Owen Waktin as well," Popham told BBC Radio Wales.

"They were both laid out on the floor and were having some serious issues. For him [Francis] not to go off straight away and stay off... and that's the important thing.

"For what they were showing on the pitch - they were having balance problems, clearly dazed and those signs on the pitch is a removal and they don't return.

"These rules are put in place for a reason and they need to be followed."

Following his diagnosis in 2020, Popham joined a landmark case against the Welsh Rugby Union, Rugby Football Union and World Rugby.

Popham and other former professionals suffering