In his Irish Independent column today, George Hook continued to beat the drum regarding concussion in rugby.
Hook claimed that Johnny Sexton, who departed the Stade de France pitch with just over ten minutes remaining on Saturday, had sustained a head injury.
Questions have to be asked about whether players are rushed back too soon after injury. Sean O'Brien and Jonathan Sexton left the field because of a recurrence of injuries previously incurred. The result for the flanker may be another long lay-off, but anybody that has a care for the out-half must have been appalled that he again failed to finish a match.
This week there was a furore over whether or not there was a head injury in a schools game. Yet in front of a million people, for the second time in six days a young man on doctor's orders was forced to leave the field of play, with the same injury to the head/neck area.
Joe Schmidt issued an update on the health of his squad today, it included news of Johnny Sexton. According to the Ireland head coach, Sexton had not suffered a knock to his head but what he termed as a 'whiplash' injury.
Schmidt also had a comment to make regarding his frustration with 'external pundits' - likely one G.Hook - diagnosing the health of his players.
That’s not a head injury at all.
It’s always frustrating when external pundits start making medical diagnoses from something that they see or think happens.
We’ve had Johnny totally checked out and he is very comfortable today.
I’ve spoken to him this morning. It’s very much just a stiff neck and shoulder, and he should be fine to train later on this week.
