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04-Feb-2018
Six Nations confirm investigation into France/Ireland HIA controversy
Irish Mirror Online
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The management said they are 'reviewing a number of incidents' Six Nations Rugby Limited
have confirmed they will launch an investigation into the head injury assessment (HIA) calls
during the France and Ireland game on Saturday evening. The management said they are
'reviewing a number of incidents' after both Matthieu Jalibert and Antoine Dupont were
removed form the field of play for HIA, despite them both having seemingly sufered lower
leg injuries.
Jalibert came off in the first half after a clash of knees with Ireland's Bundee Aki, while
Dupont seemed to injure his leg in a tackle late in the second half.
NatWest 6 Nations Championship Round 1, Stade de France, Paris, France 3/2/2018
France vs Ireland France's Teddy Thomas celebrates scoring their first try with Antoine
Dupont Mandatory Credit ©INPHO/James Crombie But both injuries for flagged for HIA and,
in the case of Dupont, allowed Maxime Machenaud to return to the pitch to close out the
game for the French.
"The HIA Review Processor is reviewing a number of incidents from the France v Ireland
match in the senior men’s championship", a Six Nations statement said.
"Depending on their findings, SNRL will be considering the next steps in respect of those
incidents."
"SNRL has in place a Head Injury Assessment Protocol that applies to the 2018
Championships, which has been approved by World Rugby.
"As part of that protocol, there is a process by which HIA/concussion-related incidents are
reviewed.
"The HIA Review Panel can as part of its review make recommendations (among other
things) as to further education and training that is required, and/or whether disciplinary
action should be taken by SNRL."
Irish rugby legend Brian O'Driscoll voiced his shock at the decision on Twitter during and
after the game, saying: "Just because we won with an incredible 42 metre drop goal that
HIA decision shouldn’t get swept under the carpet. It was nothing short of a disgrace!"
France were reprimanded last year for not following HIA protocols after a change of props
during theirr Six Nations victory over Wales in Paris, but the Untoward Incident Review
Group also said there was "no clear evidence" France had tried to obtain a "competitive
advantage".
Speaking about the incidents, France head coach Jacques Brunel said: "It wasn't our
decision.
"The players did have knee injuries, but the independent doctor decided on the HIA."