It was a difficult tour opening game for Ireland against the Maori All Blacks on Wednesday. Andy Farrell's side fell to a 32-17 defeat, with a poor first half showing leaving Ireland with too much to do in the second period. New Zealand Rugby have released a statement earlier today after Jeremy Loughman left the field in the opening minutes of the first half for a Head Injury Assessment (HIA).
Loughman could be seen struggling to find his feet after a collision and was brought off for an independent assessment following the incident.
Much to the surprise of most on-lookers, Loughman returned to finish off the first half before being replaced by Cian Healy at the interval.
New Zealand Rugby Statement
Speaking on Wednesday, New Zealand Rugby released a statement following a review of the incident, saying that the Munster man should not have been allowed to come back on.
New Zealand medical manager Karen Rasmussen said:
"As a result of this review NZR believes Ireland prop Jeremy Loughman should not have been allowed back on to the field during the first half,
"We will be reinforcing the full HIA process and protocols for the remainder of the series to ensure video evidence is communicated more accurately between independent match day medical staff to enable them to make the right call with regards to player safety."
After World Rugby announced new regulations surrounding Head Injury Assessments last week stating that a 12-day period must be passed for any players suffering concussion symptoms to return to action, it's certainly a worrying issue.
Andy Farrell on the Loughman incident
During his post match press conference on Wednesday, Andy Farrell said that Loughman had passed his HIA assessment and was only taken off as a precaution.
"No no he actually passed his HIA by an independent doctor. We brought him off as a precaution."
Player welfare advocates, Progressive Rugby were quick to voice their opinion on the issue and they said that it was "deeply alarming".
Impressive @NZRugby have - in 36 hours - acknowledged error in allowing @IrishRugby prop Jeremy Loughman to return to play after demonstrating clear signs of brain injury.
Makes you wonder why it took @WelshRugbyUnion and @ChallengeCup_ a month to review similar incidents….— Progressive Rugby (@ProgressiveRug) July 1, 2022
Repeated concussions and head trauma in rugby have been linked to health issues and dementia and Progressive Rugby welcomed the admission from New Zealand Rugby.
SEE ALSO: Andy Farrell Names Experienced Ireland Team For First All Blacks Test
