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George North would be told to retire were he an amateur, says Dr Barry O’Driscoll
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Alistair Hargreaves says the findings of the review are “a disgrace
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Lewis Moody has also been critical of rugby authorities for not sanctioning Northampton
Northampton Saints wing George North would be told not to play rugby again were he an amateur, says a former World Rugby medical adviser
“As an amateur you would say there is no way you must play again,” Dr Barry O’Driscoll told BBC Radio Wales.
“As a professional player, and some people have very dangerous professions, it’s not quite so simple.
“After four or five [concussions] you do consider it but I can fully understand because of his professional commitments, as it’s his livelihood, he might be reluctant to.
“The protocols are totally unfit for purpose. Time and time again they’re putting brain damaged players back on the field”.
Meanwhile, former Saracens captain Alistair Hargreaves, who retired in October because of a concussion injury, said the findings of the review are “a disgrace”.
Decision made by CMRG is a disgrace. Is this what we call player welfare @EnglandRugby @premrugby? What a depressing day for rugby.
— Alistair Hargreaves (@Al_Hargreaves) December 22, 2016
Hargreaves suffered a number of concussions in the last two seasons of his career, and was given medical advice to give up the game.
England flanker Lewis Moody has also been critical of rugby authorities for not sanctioning Northampton.
“For there to be an outcome saying he shouldn’t have been allowed back on the pitch, but for the club not to have been sanctioned – what message does that send to the other clubs?
“There clearly needs to be a review of the protocols in place for those head assessments.
“I’m very surprised that there’s no sanction given to Northampton.”