There has been a more than 40% increase in teenagers turning up at emergency departments with sports-related concussion in the last year, an Oireachtas committee has been told.

The IRFU has warned parents, coaches and players of their responsibility to be extra vigilant for signs of concussion among amateur rugby players.

Former IRB medical advisor Dr Barry O’Driscoll has claimed schoolboys risk neurological and psychological damage by the lack of action around the increasing number of head injuries in rugby.

Dublin have been criticised for not taking concussed Rory O’Carroll off the field of play in Sunday’s All-Ireland final.

RABO DIRECT PRO12:

1. SET PIECE ASSAULT

The IRFU has expressed its condolences to the family of a teenager who died after collapsing during a rugby game in Co Antrim.

Nigel Clough’s hopes of following in his father’s footsteps and managing Derby are closer to realisation after Rams chairman Adam Pearson admitted yesterday he was one of the names on a “very small radar” being monitored by the club.

Al Baxter’s scrummaging may be in question, but Australia’s much-maligned tight-head prop proved he has the hide of an ox by laughing off criticism of his front-row failings.

Burton manager Nigel Clough is not holding out much hope of humbling mighty Manchester United – but if Albion do produce an FA Cup shock, the Brewers boss wants it to be on the back of entertaining football.

Bobby Robson and Trevor Brooking will head the list of football luminaries expected to attend the Brian Clough memorial service.