Committee backs referee in concussion row

The Leinster’s Schools Rugby Committee has come out in support of referee Garry Glennon after an investigation into the controversial concussion incident during last month’s Leinster Schools Senior Cup match between Cistercian College Roscrea and Gonzaga College.

The game made headlines after a Gonzaga player suffered a suspected head injury and the referee ordered him to be removed from the field, in accordance with protocols at schools level.

However, a Gonzaga medic argued otherwise before the player was eventually substituted.

A statement from the Committee reaffirmed “that the referee is the ultimate arbiter of all games played at all levels.

“It is with he/she that any final decision rests with regard to on-field activity and this includes the removal of a player for medical reasons as detailed in IRB Law 3.9.

“The Leinster Rugby Schools Committee would also like to thank all parties for their cooperation in this matter which has now been dealt with to the satisfaction of the Schools Committee, of both schools and of the Association of Referees Leinster Branch.

“The Leinster Rugby Schools Committee would finally like to take this opportunity to again impress upon all those involved with the game at domestic level to go and educate themselves about their responsibilities to STOP - INFORM - REST - RETURN and if a player has any one of the signs or symptoms of concussion he/she should be removed from the field of play and not allowed to return.

“The Leinster Rugby Schools Committee will be making no further comment in relation to this investigation.”