Maro Itoje Withdrawn After Concussion HIA — Gum Shield ‘Saved My Life

The 29-year-old lock was stood down after failing a Head Injury Assessment (HIA), with the data from his gum shield alerting medical staff to a potential concussion.

“During the Lions tour I took a head knock that my gum shield picked up straight away,” Itoje explained on the Listen, Power And Purpose podcast.

“After the test, we followed protocol and I finished the tour. When I tried training again, I realised something wasn’t right. I had to take a full step back — not just physically, but mentally.

"Two weeks of proper rest made all the difference. That gum shield genuinely saved my life.”

Following the failed HIA, Itoje was withdrawn from action and placed under concussion protocols, missing the remainder of the tour.

Weeks later, when he attempted to resume training, the Saracens star continued to experience lingering symptoms, prompting further medical review.

Specialists advised that Itoje needed cognitive rest — reducing mental activity and clearing his schedule completely — rather than simply physical rest.

After two weeks of limited activity and proper recovery, Itoje’s symptoms improved significantly, allowing him to return to training safely.

The incident has renewed calls for increased use of smart gum shields and head-impact monitoring technology across elite rugby to protect players from long-term brain injury risks.

From debutants struggling to find their feet to seasoned internationals looking out of sorts, these five players had weekends they’ll want to move on from quickly.

Making his long-awaited Gloucester debut after a foot injury suffered with England U20s, Redshaw got a bruising reminder of Premiership reality.

The young full-back was brutally bumped off by Immanuel Feyi-Waboso for Exeter’s opening try and found himself on the back foot defensively all afternoon.

While he did show good awareness covering a clever grubber in behind, the overall impression was of a player still adjusting to the physicality and pace of senior rugby. Promising, but clearly a work in progress as Gloucester were hammered 39–12 at Sandy Park.

The hooker’s hopes of an England recall took another hit as Newcastle were thrashed 52–14 by Harlequins. McGuigan worked hard but made little headway in the loose and couldn’t steady an overwhelmed set-piece.

With Theo Dan, Luke Cowan-Dickie and Tom Dunn all impressing elsewhere, this was a timely but worrying reminder of how far down the pecking order he’s slipped.

At 32, McGuigan needed a big performance to reignite his international ambitions, but instead looked part of a pack that simply couldn’t cope with Quins’ tempo or power.

A disastrous afternoon for the England skipper-in-waiting as Saracens were torn apart 43–31 by Northampton. Farrell looked off the pace from the start — his kicking radar was misaligned, his decision-making flat, and his trademark intensity never quite arrived.

Saints’ backline played with flair and speed while Farrell and his teammates struggled to contain them. For a player of his stature, this was a worrying display in a match tailor-made for statements.

With England’s midfield competition heating up, Farrell will know he can’t afford too many more anonymous outings like this.

Another frustrating weekend for the once-hyped scrum-half. Quirke came off the bench in Sale’s dramatic 36–35 defeat to Leicester but couldn’t stamp his authority on the contest.

His service was tidy and he did produce one moment of class to set up Tom Roebuck’s try, but flashes aren’t enough anymore. Injuries and inconsistency have stalled his progress, and with England’s No.9 shirt fiercely contested,

Quirke’s path back to the top looks distant. Sale fans know how good he can be — they’re just waiting to see it again consistently.

Returning to the starting XV after a head injury, Genge began brightly by winning an early scrum penalty against England rival Will Stuart.

Unfortunately, that was as good as it got. Bath dominated the collisions and breakdown as Bristol crumbled 40–15 at The Rec. Genge’s frustration was visible, but he couldn’t turn the tide for his side. His passion is never in doubt, but his influence was minimal as the Bears’ pack was outmuscled.

For a player aiming to cement his England spot, this was far from the commanding performance expected.