Wallabies-Lions series reignites concussion and player safety debate

Several incidents during the recent three-Test series have renewed the focus on the welfare of players and the rules that can help to safeguard it. By Craig Ray

- 

The third Test between the Wallabies and Lions on 2 August was a bizarre match in many ways.

Played in a torrential downpour, it was suspended for 40 minutes barely two minutes into the second half because of nearby lightning strikes.

And, more worryingly, four players suffered concussions through a combination of malice and bad luck as Australia won 22-12.

Wallaby flyhalf Tom Lynagh’s night ended when Lions hooker Dan Sheehan made contact with the pivot’s head when clearing a ruck. Sheehan escaped punishment on the field, but was later cited and suspended for four matches for his act of malice, or recklessness, depending on one’s view.

Lions lock James Ryan's night also ended early when he put his head in the wrong position and took the full brunt of opposite number Will Skelton’s knee to the head. This was purely accidental. Lions captain Maro Itoje and wing Tommy Freeman also failed head injury assessments after heavy collisions that would fall under the heading “rugby incidents”.

Putting aside other injuries such as ligament and soft tissue tears and general bruising, it did remind people that rugby is a violent game.

Some might guffaw at the concept of “player safety” in a sport where highly conditioned, big men (in this case) tend to collide at high speed. It does seem like a physiological oxymoron. But the spate of concussions, allied to the controversial clear-out by Lions flank Jac Morgan on his Wallaby counterpart, Carlo Tizzano, in the final minute of the second Test, has raised the issue again.

Winning the war?

Simply put: is rugby winning the war on concussions? The answer is not straightforward or definitive because studies and new initiatives such as the ball carrier being mandated to change habits are continuing, and the laws are still too opaque.