SHANE ON NORTH ‘KNOCKOUT’
WALES legend Shane Williams says rugby fans have to accept George North’s word he wasn’t knocked unconscious during the sickening incident that has caused a major controversy.
North maintains he purposely stayed still after landing on his neck following a mid-air collision with Leicester Tigers’ Adam Thompstone in the 17th minute of a match at Welford Road on Saturday.
TV images appeared to show North knocked out cold as he lay on the ground with his head buried in the turf for several seconds.
Despite the blow, North returned to the match just six minutes later and played for the rest of the game.
It sparked a furious reaction from many fans, with TV pundit Ugo Monye insisting North should have been withdrawn immediately.
Northampton issued a statement late on Saturday night insisting they had followed the correct procedures and that North passed his Head Injury Assessment (HIA).
Williams, a former team-mate of North’s, said: “It is an understatement to suggest the images didn’t look good.
“They appeared to indicate yet again that George had suffered yet another nasty head injury that had left him knocked out.
“Understandably, given the player’s history of head injuries, people are concerned for his well-being and there are many who question whether he should have resumed so quickly after taking such a bump.
“There have even been calls for him to retire. George has since indicated his neck was the problem, not his head. Some people are slightly incredulous on that point, perhaps feeling that something is being concealed because of all the trouble the big man has had with concussions in the past.
“For me, it’s about accepting George’s word. He is a young lad for whom rugby is a huge focus. He lives and breathes the game and obviously hopes to enjoy a long career.
“But he is also intelligent enough to realise there is life after the game as well.
“He is in a relationship and one day he and his partner may have children. George isn’t going to want to do anything that would jeopardise his long-term health. I’m sorry, rugby isn’t that important.
“My feeling is we just need to run with what George has said. It’s an honesty call from him.
“Of all the players in the game, he probably understands head injuries and their consequences as well as anyone. He will appreciate how foolhardy it would be for anyone to try to downplay one.
“Also, the medical professionals who handled him in Leicester would have been even more acutely aware of those issues.
“Logic suggests that given the player’s history, those medics are going to be ultra-vigilant if there is even a hint of a head knock. Those guys know that safety of players is paramount.”
Aviva Premiership bosses have confirmed an independent review of the incident will now be carried out, as is normal protocol.