Rugby-Ireland's Loughman should not have returned after HIA - NZ Rugby

(Reuters) - Ireland prop Jeremy Loughman should not have returned to play in Wednesday's match against the Maori All Blacks after suffering a head knock in the opening minutes, New Zealand Rugby (NZR) said on Friday.

Loughman had difficulty getting to his feet after the blow but was allowed to return to the pitch after a Head Injury Assessment (HIA) performed by a local doctor. He was withdrawn by his team at halftime as a "precaution".

The incident attracted the concern of player welfare advocates, with lobby group Progressive Rugby describing it as "deeply alarming".

NZR conducted a review of the incident and medical manager Karen Rasmussen said on Friday that a "gap in communications" had led to video of the incident being "not fully accounted for" during the HIA.

"As a result of this review NZR believes Ireland prop Jeremy Loughman should not have been allowed back on to the field during the first half," she said in a statement.

Video: Ireland Rugby team huddle after losing against the All Blacks in New Zealand (The Independent)

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