IRB plan ‘robust’ changes in concussion protocol

The International Rugby Board are in the final stages of drafting a “robust” set of guidelines to tackle the on-field treatment of suspected concussion.

An injury audit conducted jointly by the England Rugby Football Union, Premiership Rugby and the Rugby Players’ Association shows concussion to be in the top five most common injuries in the game.

Last November, England winger Chris Ashton suffered a heavy blow to the head when playing against South Africa at Twickenham.