You have to sort your heads out
IF George North or Mike Brown need any further warning of the effects of concussion, they should listen to the testimony of hockey Olympian Simon Mantell.
The Reading winger hopes at last to get the all- clear to train for Great Britain’s Olympic qualifi er in June after suffering post- concussion syndrome following a collision with a Southgate defender in the national league last October.
“It was an innocuous incident really,” said Mantell. “I took a bit of a hit but felt OK during the rest of the game. It wasn’t until I was driving home that the blurred vision and headaches started.
“I thought I would sleep it off overnight but then every time I started training, the headaches returned. My concentration suffered, I had to reduce screen time at work and my social life was affected.
“Sensitivity to noise was one of the most prominent symptoms – even going into restaurants and cafes was tough.
“It is so individual how this affects you. I can see how a player wants to keep playing on but the decision should be taken out of his hands. I’m following medical protocol and taking it day to day.
“I have never had an injury when I couldn’t do anything. You can put up with most of the injuries you get in hockey but this is completely different and the biggest challenge I have faced in my career.”
Harlequins are resting Brown after he suffered fresh symptoms of concussion following England’s Six Nations win over France, having missed a month of rugby earlier in the tournament for the same injury.
Brain injury experts have advised North not to play again this season after he was knocked out during Northampton’s win over Wasps last Friday.
The 22- year- old wing also suffered blows to the head in the autumn and again during the Six Nations. He will see a specialist this week and former Wales fl anker Martyn Williams would back a decision to rest North for the remainder of the season. “If he doesn’t play
again this season, so be it. George’s health said Williams.
North was left motionless after a knee to the head from Wasps’ Nathan Hughes after scoring his second try for the Saints in their 52- 30 win. Hughes was sent off for dangerous play but will protest his innocence before an RFU disciplinary panel this evening.
North suffered two blows to the head against England in the Six Nations opener, which prompted controversy as he was allowed to play on. He missed the match against Scotland on an “extended recovery period”.
Before the Six Nations, Ireland fl y- half Johnny Sexton completed an enforced 12- week lay- off after four concussions in a year, and Williams said on BBC Wales’ Scrum V: “If the specialists say you need a break, defi nitely have a break.”
HARLEQUINS’ recruitment drive has continued with the addition of Scotland winger Tim Visser for next season.
Quins have already landed Lions prop Adam Jones, who retired from international rugby in January, and are hoping to sign his former Wales team- mate Jamie Roberts, who is ending his contract with Racing Metro a year early.
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