The RFU have come under fire after it was revealed winger Abby Dow was allowed to carry on despite being knocked out in the World Cup final.
Doctors were unsure whether Dow had been knocked unconscious by the tackle, for which the Black Fern received a yellow card.
RFU chief executive Bill Sweeney has since released a statement.
"Then they reviewed the footage and I think it was about a minute afterwards and they said 'No, she needs to come off and have a HIA'," Sweeney said.
However, this isn't good enough according to former England winger Katherine Merchant, who was 'absolutely livid' about what happened.
"I retired early because of concussions,
"We didn't know as much back then so I have no beef with anything that went on medically back then.
"However, now we know the dangers.
"If you are in any doubt about whether a player has been knocked out or not - you take them off," she told the Rugby Union Daily podcast.
"Whether it's a World Cup final or not is irrelevant."
Abby Dow incident:
Reacting to the knock, one fan wrote: "How is Abby Dow not gone for an HIA? She clearly staggered as she stood up after a big head collision?""
"How is Abby Dow still on the field though. She needs to go off for the HIA? Player safety not important," said a second.
A third commented: "Errrrrr how is Abby Dow staying on after that? Clearly needs a HIA.
Off-pitch lives and loves of England's Red Roses after Rugby World Cup defeat
England's Red Roses have captured the hearts of the nation after reaching the Rugby World Cup final in New Zealand.
We take a look at the loved ones who will help the players to recover following the cruel defeat.
#1. Sarah Hunter's boyfriend Nathan Smith
She has more than 120 caps for England and played in the victorious World Cup squad in 2014.
She is currently captaining England women in New Zealand. Hunter lives with her boyfriend, Nathan Smith, near Loughborough He is a coach at Doncaster Knights rugby club.
#2. Jess Breach's boyfriend Archie White
Her partner is Archie White, who plays flanker for the Harlequins men’s side.
#3. Holly Aitchison and Hannah Botterman
The Saracens and England teammates are currently dating.
The pair first met at Hartpury College in 2015 but split after a year as Holly struggled to come to terms with her sexuality.
They have now revealed how they were brought back together by 'fate' when they were both signed to the Saracens and Simon Middleton's Red Roses squad.
#4. Ellie Kildunne's boyfriend Cameron
Kildunne regularly posts on social media with her long-time partner Cameron.
#5. Marlie Packer's partner Natasha
Away from the pitch, the England back-row is happily settled with her partner Natasha, who gave birth to their son Oliver in 2020.
#6. Abbie Ward's husband Dave Ward
She married former Harlequins hooker Dave Ward in August 2020 and he is now her coach at Bristol Bears. The pair admit to having practised lineout throwing at home together.
