Former internationals question decision to play England star over health concerns
Former England internationals Kyran Bracken and Alex Corbisiero have raised concerns about England’s decision to play Kyle Sinckler this weekend after he failed a head injury assessment against Ireland last week.
The tighthead prop looked to be knocked out in the first half against Ireland last week, but is set to start on the bench against France tomorrow. Eddie Jones did say that he did not suffer a concussion but still had to do the return to play protocols, which probably explains why he is on the bench rather than starting as he may not have been able to train as much this week.
Progressive Rugby, who describe themselves as a “rugby union lobby group working to achieve a safer and healthier game,” wrote on Twitter: “Deeply disappointed to see Kyle Sinckler included following what we maintain was a clear concussion against Ireland last weekend. Protocols that allow a player to be exposed to high impact collisions just a week after a brain injury are not fit for purpose. Full stop.”
Corbisiero echoed this: “The more this continues to be allowed in the sport, the more I think we need to look at the RFL’s 11 day return to play protocol. Just seems safer and means we’ll never see players in this position again.”
Bracken added: “Kyle is unconscious. Any boxer would be banned from action for a long time. Rugby knows better!?! Play the next week! Wtf.”
Kyle is unconscious. Any boxer would be banned from action for a long time. Rugby knows better!?! Play the next week! Wtf @WorldRugby @ProgressiveRug @SixNationsRugby https://t.co/TtUaBf74rh
— Kyran Bracken (@KyranBracken) March 18, 2022
The more this continues to be allowed in the sport, the more I think we need to look at the RFL’s 11 day return to play protocol. Just seems safer and means we’ll never see players in this position again. https://t.co/lUkOPmuuMM
— Alex Corbisiero (@AlexCorbs) March 17, 2022
