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CARDIFF, Wales (AP) — World Rugby wants to know if all concussion protocols were followed when Wales winger George North received a knock to the head in the second half of the Six Nations loss to England.
World Rugby requested a full report from the Welsh Rugby Union on Saturday, after watching video footage of Friday's match at Millennium Stadium.
North clashed heads with teammate Richard Hibbard in the 61st minute, and appeared dazed. He did not undergo a mandatory test for concussion, remained on the field, and played the rest of the match which England won 21-16.
It was the second time North took a blow to the head in the game. He was accidentally kicked by England lock Dave Attwood in the first half, and replaced temporarily by Liam Williams as he was checked for concussion.
Soon after the World Rugby statement, the WRU announced North was showing no signs of concussion, but was being treated as a concussed player. He was given the designation post-match.
"He passed head injury protocol tests that were carried out in the medical room, in addition to an on-pitch assessment," the statement said. "He also showed no signs and symptoms when follow-up tests were carried out immediately after the game.
"While George is currently symptom free, retrospective video review of the second incident identified the mechanism of injury which was previously unsighted on the field of play. This review has warranted the medical team to manage the player as concussed, although the player currently has no signs and symptoms. He will undertake a graduated return-to-play protocol with multiple follow-up cognitive and physical tests."
Wales also said prop Samson Lee was concussed in the match, flyhalf Dan Biggar received a cut to his forehead following a collision with teammate Gethin Jenkins, and fullback Leigh Halfpenny sustained a mild neck injury but was expected to be available to play Scotland next weekend.
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