France told off for not following concussion protocols in 6N

By The Associated Press 16 June 2017, 12:00AM

France was reprimanded by the Six Nations on Friday for not following head injury assessment protocol in the rugby match with Wales which had 21 minutes of extra time.

On March 18 in Paris, Wales led 18-13 at the end of regulation time, but extra time extended to the 100th minute, when France scored a tying try. The successful conversion meant France won 20-18.

Wales interim coach Rob Howley suggested the home side cheated when tighthead prop Rabah Slimani, who'd left in the 55th minute, was sent back on in the 81st for Uini Atonio. With Slimani, France dominated the scrums in extra time. Howley believed the change was premeditated.

But an incident review group which analysed video and talked to all stakeholders decided "there was no clear evidence that there was any intent to obtain a competitive advantage in the match with regards to (France's) failures in complying with the HIA protocol and/or laws of the game."

The group added in a statement that Atonio was assessed for concussion and taken to the medical room. But it said there was some miscommunication from the French team.

By The Associated Press 16 June 2017, 12:00AM
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