World Rugby quizzes WRU over North head injury

World Rugby on Saturday requested a report from the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) into the head injury sustained by wing George North during Wales's Six Nations defeat by England.
North, 22, sustained two blows to the head during Wales's 21-16 loss at the Millennium Stadium on Friday, but although he left the field to be assessed after the first, he remained on the pitch following the second.
Wales head coach Warren Gatland defended his medical staff for allowing North to complete the game, but world governing body World Rugby has asked the WRU to explain that decision.
"World Rugby has requested a full report from the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) following an apparent head impact sustained by Wales wing George North in the second half of Friday night's RBS 6 Nations match between Wales and England at the Millennium Stadium, Cardiff," World Rugby said in a statement.
"North, who sustained the impact in the 61st minute of the match, remained on the field and, having undertaken an initial review of the broadcast footage, World Rugby is seeking to establish from the WRU whether all concussion management protocols were appropriately followed."
Separately, the WRU released a statement on Saturday stating that North had shown no ill-effects after the two incidents, but that his condition would be monitored.
"In relation to George North, he passed head injury protocol tests that were carried out in the medical room in addition to an on-pitch assessment," the WRU said.
"He also showed no signs and symptoms when follow-up tests were carried out immediately after the game."
The WRU added: "While George is currently symptom-free, retrospective video review of the second incident identified the mechanism of injury which was previously unsighted on the field of play.
"This review has warranted the medical team to manage the player as concussed although the player currently has no signs and symptoms.
"He will now undertake a graduated return to play protocol with multiple follow-up cognitive and physical tests."
The WRU also disclosed that prop Samson Lee suffered a concussion, while fly-half Dan Biggar received a cut to the forehead and full-back Leigh Halfpenny sustained a "mild" neck injury.
Lee and Biggar will both be monitored ahead of Wales's second game away to Scotland next weekend, but Halfpenny is not a doubt for the match.
Source: AFP