David Denton to be ‘monitored’ ahead of World Cup

EDINBURGH No 8 David Denton has recovered from the concussion which ruled him out of the last month of the season and takes his place in the Scotland World Cup training squad announced yesterday.

Denton has now completed the concussion protocols and is deemed fit. Picture: SNS

However, head coach Vern Cotter said he will be monitored carefully and that there remains concerns that another similar head injury could threaten the player’s career. Denton, pictured, hasn’t played since going off early in a Pro12 match against Munster at BT Murrayfield on 11 April, less than 12 months after he suffered a similar injury in the final game of the previous season which ruled him out of Scotland’s summer tour.

The Zimbabwe-born 25-year-old has now completed the concussion protocols and is deemed fit, but Cotter admitted the situation was a concern.

“I’m worried for him,” said the Kiwi. “He’s cleared to start training with us and he’ll be followed throughout the prep and pre-season.

“We want to be as careful as we can. He wants to be playing with us. He’s back on track, done everything and he’s ready to go.

“We know the potential he has, he’s a very good rugby player and we want to put him through the preparation.

“I think it’s fair to him and fair to the team because he offers a lot. We’re firing ahead with everything. It’ll be a robust pre-season.”

Asked if another concussion could lead to Denton having to give up the game, Cotter replied: “It’s something that’s spoken about with every head injury now.

“We’re talking academically here, David will return to training and if he gets another knock on his head and requires the same length to recover there will obviously be some pretty mature decisions made on what happens next.

“At the moment, he’s fully fit and he’s joining the squad.”