George North has had his career blighted by a series of concussive knocks to his head, and he suffered yet another in tonight's Premiership clash between Leicester Tigers and Northampton Saints at Welford Road.
North was taken out in the air by opposite number Adam Thompstone, and was knocked out cold instantly. It was an ugly, ugly fall, and Thompstone was yellow-carded for taking North out in the air.
Here is the incident in real-time:
And here are the slow-mo angles shown to the Television Match Official:
North regained consciousness a minute or so later, and went off the field for a Head Injury Assessment.
Shockingly, he returned to the field a few minutes later following the obligatory HIA. Given North's history of concussion and head injury, and the fact he was knocked out cold, it seemed reckless bordering on negligent to allow him return.
Just after watching George North get KOd & return to the pitch after a HIA. Rugby get your shit together, KO should mean you're off. Simple
— Danny Murray (@danjomurray) December 3, 2016
George North, motionless on the pitch after fall, allowed back on to play. In this day and age - with his concussion history - that's unreal
— Tom English (@TEnglishSport) December 3, 2016
There shouldn't have been a HIA on North. No need. Would you give a knocked-out boxer a HIA and send him back out to fight?
— Tom English (@TEnglishSport) December 3, 2016
Just saw George North incident (via @tomESPNscrum) Clearly unconscious. Total disgrace he played on. Sanctions inevitable for Northampton.
— Sam Peters (@PlantedSam) December 3, 2016
Why has George North been allowed back on the pitch with his medical history? Thought the HIA was introduced to stop this. #playersafety
— Tim (@TimWaspe) December 3, 2016
Rugby needs to confront these issues sooner rather than later.
