Haskell ‘okay’, in concussion protocol

Editor

Wasps flanker James Haskell is in the concussion protocol after his return to action ended early against Leicester Tigers.

Haskell, making his first appearance of the season after a foot injury, appeared to knock himself out making a big tackle on Leicester fly-half Freddie Burns.

No sooner was Haskell on the field in front of close to 28,000 in Coventry then he was coming back off it. Wasps director of rugby Dai Young admitted that Haskell was now a doubt to face Toulouse next weekend in the Champions Cup.

“He is totally fine now,” Young said. “He had a real big hit and had a bang on the head, so he has got to go through the protocols.

“It was the best ’36-second’ comeback ever, so he is having a bit of a ribbing off the boys, but all jokes aside, thankfully he is okay. He took a nasty bang to the head.

“He went in low to make the tackle, and it was pretty much head on body.

“We’ve all been really eager to get him back on the field, and he’s had a big build-up, but he is totally fine, laughing and joking and having a bit of banter.

“He has got to come through all the necessary protocols. It’s a six-day protocol, so he has got to tick all the boxes. It’s certainly touch and go (for Toulouse) – it’s certainly going to be tight.”

Wasps were phenomenal in the first half, scoring three tries, but were left sweating in the closing stages as Leicester fought back.

Young added: “The first half, we came out of the blocks, got some quick ball to play off and we were probably disappointed that we didn’t come away with some more points on the board.

“Once you give a team like Leicester a bit of momentum, it’s very hard to snatch it back. I thought we were in total control in the first half, and pretty much hanging on for dear life in the last 10 minutes.

“You know the players Leicester have got, they are a proud bunch and never know when they are beaten.

“I am pleased we have won – I don’t want to downplay that – but we constantly talk about learning from every game.”