'I'm fine mate' - Nic White brushes off return to play controversy

19 November 2022; Nic White of Australia after his side's defeat in the Bank of Ireland Nations Series match between Ireland and Australia at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin. Photo by Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile

Australia scrum-half Nic White has insisted he was “good to go” after passing his Head Injury Assessment early in the second half at Aviva Stadium.

White was seen clearly stumbling after contact to the head, a visual confirmation under World Rugby’s current protocols that requires permanent withdrawal from the game without the need for an HIA. Yet the Wallabies half-back returned to the field and finished the game, which the tourists lost 13-10.