Leading head injury organisation Progressive Rugby has questioned prop Kyle Sinckler being selected for England against France this weekend.
The group, which is seeking better protection for players and represents several former professionals who have suffered serious medical issues, condemned the props selection among Eddie Jones replacements.
Sinckler suffered the head knock in the first half against Ireland, and looked visibly knocked out.
They tweeted: “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.”
Former England prop Alex Corbisiero added: “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.”
However, when questioned about the decision to pick Sinckler, Jones insisted that all he could do was rely on professional guidance, saying: |I only follow the medical protocols. We’ve got a very good medical staff.
“Wales went through the same thing with Tomas Francis. There are protocols in place to ensure the safety of players and it’s not for me to second-guess the medical staff.
“He goes through all the protocols and we get an independent professor to judge his status to play the game, then we take that all into consideration and if it’s all positive then he’s fit for selection.”
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#5. Andy Farrell – 22/1
The irony with Farrell is that he is arguably the most obvious candidate and fits the role as well as anyone, but he might be the toughest for the RFU to land due to his long-term deal with Ireland.
