Francis was similarly removed for an HIA, despite showing ‘Criteria 1’ indications that he had suffered a concussion, before returning to the field.
A subsequent HIA review panel concluded that “one or more ‘Criteria 1’ indications were present”, which should have resulted in Francis being immediately and permanently removed from the game.
The incident involving Loughman follows World Rugby’s announcement last week that players with a history of concussion or who fail HIAs off the field will be withdrawn for 12 days, with World Rugby’s concussion protocol being described as “gold standard.” , unmatched and superior to most” by Professor Bob Cantu, a professor of neurology and neurosurgery who is part of the World Rugby Concussion Working Group.
Progressive Rugby added in a statement: “It is deeply alarming, just days after World Rugby’s bold announcement of a ‘gold standard’ concussion protocol from July 1, that a player who is clearly showing signs of a traumatic brain injury has not been removed while he is fully gleam from the center.
“Even under current protocol, the security of Irish prop Jeremy Loughman demanded his immediate and permanent removal, but the process failed.”
Former England scrum half Kyran Bracken also criticized the handling of the incident, writing on Twitter: “Players live in danger. @WorldRugby fix this or you’ll have no game to rule!”
The Maori All Blacks won 32-17 in Hamilton after scoring four tries in the first half, with Ireland being hit by injuries to Loughman, Healy, James Hume and Jimmy O’Brien, which will test Farrell’s team of 40 players with four more games you eat
Iain Henderson has already been banned from the tour, while Rob Herring has been banned from the first test against New Zealand this Saturday, along with Mack Hansen, who has tested positive for Covid.