'I'm looking after you!' Ref halts Six Nations game to help player despite his arguments

Six Nations referee Luke Pearce has been widely praised for his handling of a potentially dangerous incident during the Italy v Scotland match.

Pearce halted the match immediately with Scotland closing in on the Italian line after spotting Italy's Ignacio Brex had taken a heavy blow to the head.

The Englishman blew his whistle and ordered Brex to take a knee to settle himself after he was knocked to the turf at a ruck.

He then called in the medics before Brex was taken from the field for a HIA, much to the player's annoyance.

However, Pearce was having none it, insisting it was down to the medical experts to assess him, while adding: "I'm just looking after you!"

His actions drew widespread praise, coming less than 24 hours after Wales' Tomos Williams was at the centre of disturbing scenes following a head injury.

Williams fell to the turf after trying to get to his feet and was clearly concussed. But the referee failed to spot the seriousness of the situation, allowing play to continue.

Concussion has been a huge topic over the last few weeks following the failure to remove Tomas Francis from the pitch against England despite him clearly being concussed.

That has seen Wales and Six Nations chiefs come under fire from various sources, including Peter Robinson, whose son Ben died from a head injury in 2011.

Robinson was among the many people to praise Pearce's actions in Rome, saying: "Fantastic referring and a great example to all. In Player Welfare everyone has a role to play. All players need protected from themselves."

Brex was cleared to return to play after his HIA. Scotland won the match 33-22.