Concussion activists blast HIA protocols as 'not fit for purpose' after Johnny Sexton decision

Concussion activists have suggested that rugby union’s head injury assessment process is not fit for purpose after Ireland selected Johnny Sexton to start against New Zealand a week after the veteran fly-half was helped from the field in the first Test.

Sexton failed his first initial head injury assessment (HIA) which identifies suspected concussion at Eden Park following a collision with Sam Cane but has been allowed to play because he passed the more substantive second HIA later that evening and then a third in the coming days which aims to rule concussion in or out. The player was therefore deemed not to be concussed.

Under current protocols, despite World Rugby introducing longer lay-offs for players like Sexton that have a history of head injuries, that is enough for a player to be passed fit.

Progressive Rugby, who are campaigning for greater awareness of concussion in sport, believe that the best course of action would have been to err on the side of caution with regard to Sexton.

“Elite players who fail an in-game HIA1 have, by definition, displayed cognitive dysfunction requiring their removal,” said a spokesperson for the organisation.

“In our view, this is sufficient evidence, regardless of subsequent testing, to exercise extreme caution for the good of both their short and long-term health.

“This caution must be further amplified in players with a history of brain injury, as evidence is they are at higher risk of sustaining further concussions and other injuries.”

On the HIA protocol as a whole, Progressive Rugby were more scathing. Just last week, after a review into the incident by New Zealand Rugby, it was found that Jeremy Loughman, the Ireland prop, should not have returned to the field after staggering