Aussies to try out blue card system

BLUE cards are set to be issued to players with signs of concussion, the Australian Rugby Union said.

The system, to be tried in the ARU’s Australian Capital Territory and Newcastle competitions in coming weeks, will require players to leave the field for the rest of the game if they are given a blue card.

They will have to complete a minimum stand-down period, which will be 12 days for adults and 19 for under-18s, take part in an exercise programme and be cleared by a doctor.

Wallaby flyhalf Bernard Foley was sidelined by a head knock during a trial match last month that saw him miss the first four rounds of the Super Rugby season.

The NSW Waratahs star is due to return against the Melbourne Rebels today. – AFP