RHYS PATCHELL: HOW I OVERCAME MY CONCUSSION CONCERN
SPORT
WALES fly-half Rhys Patchell has revealed the steps he’s been forced to take after suffering his latest concussion setback.
The Scarlets pivot was knocked out twice last season and failed another head injury assessment after a blow to the head in the final Rugby World Cup warm-up match against Ireland.
As a result of the injuries last season, Patchell’s confidence appeared to suffer and he finished last season coming off the bench for the Parc y Scarlets region.
But that confidence looked to have returned in a stunning 40 minutes against Ireland in Cardiff before his time in the middle was cut short in Dublin.
However, the man largely deemed Dan Biggar’s deputy heading into this tournament is now back in full training and ready to face Georgia in the opener on Monday.
He has revealed the kind of tests and precautions he has had to take to prove his fitness.
“There are a lot of tests. You have to remember words and be able to do a series of balance and cognitive tests and they will ask you what the 10 words are at the end of the test,” he explained.
“Right from the start you have to try and remember what they are. There is a cognitive sports test. There are the symptoms.
“You can’t return to do much until you are symptom free and the medics I have encountered have been good with that and have not pushed.
“They ask how you are and there is a gradual return to play in training.
“It is a pretty thorough process and the hardest thing is ‘do I feel all right – yes or no?’
“There is almost the danger of thinking too much and giving yourself a headache!
“We are a long way away from that now and looking forward to being available for selection for Georgia.”
Many voiced concern given the number of head knocks the 26-yearold has suffered in recent times.
He deems it ‘an occupational hazard’ and insists he didn’t fear he may not be able to make the World Cup after edging out rival Jarrod Evans a week before the collision with CJ Stander.
“These things take the time they take. I’ve learnt that over the years,” he said.
“There is no point worrying about it. You’ve got to be philosophical about these things and be quite relaxed.
“The more worked up you get the chances are the more your symptoms will persist.
“I had probably the best night of sleep I’d had in months on the Saturday after it happened and that always helps.
“Once you get back into return-toplay mode you have to trust the medics and get on with it.”
Get on with it he has and he is now in Toyota City with the rest of the Wales squad as the countdown to their World Cup opener continues.
Patchell is likely to be on the bench from the start against Georgia, though Warren Gatland will be tempted to rest his frontline players, which could see Patchell promoted to the starting side.
The Wales boss names his team tomorrow morning (0400BST).