Scots doctor in head injury call after North clash

A LEADING Scottish neuropathologist has called for rugby’s head injury assessment protocol to be re-examined after a top international player was allowed to continue playing despite apparently being concussed during a Six Nations clash.

Wales player George North and Anthony Watson of England (l) compete for a high ball. Picture: Getty

Dr Willie Stewart, consultant neuropathologist at the Southern General Hospital in Glasgow, said he was “sickened” that Welsh star George North resumed playing after twice being injured during the loss to England on Friday.

North underwent mandatory concussion assessment after an accidental boot in the head in the first half, but returned to the field and later clashed heads with a team-mate.

Millions watching on TV saw North fall, apparently unconscious, but the incident was not seen by team medics and the 22-year-old wing carried on.

Dr Stewart, a world authority on concussion in sport, who has identified a link between early-onset dementia and concussion in rugby, said: “I was incredibly disappointed.

“It illustrated to me in one sense how far we’ve come with concussion in sport, but how far we’ve still got to go.”