World Rugby investigates why Nic White was not replaced after brain injury

The former Exeter player was allowed back after passing a head injury assessment, prompting an angry reaction from the concussion pressure group Progressive Rugby

HIA: Nic White of Australia leaves the pitch for a head injury assessment during the Bank of Ireland Nations Series match between Ireland and Australia at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin. Pic: Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile

World Rugby says it is “looking at the circumstances” of the controversial events in Dublin on Saturday when Australia’s Nic White was allowed to return to the field despite clear signs he had sustained a brain injury in the second half of his side’s 13-10 defeat against Ireland.

White has since been stood down for 12 days and will miss the final game of the Wallabies’ tour against Wales. But despite being visibly unsteady on his feet after a tackle on Mack Hansen and an accidental collision with Josh van der Flier’s boot, the scrum-half was not permanently removed from the fray as should have been the case.