Beauden Barrett: Blues fly-half cleared of concussion after head knock in Super Rugby Pacific win over Highlanders

David Skippers

New Zealand's Beauden Barrett during the training session at Tatsuminomori Seaside Park, Koto City, Tokyo. PA Photo. Picture date: Thursday October 17, 2019. See PA story RUGBYU New Zealand. Photo credit should read: Adam Davy/PA Wire. RESTRICTIONS: Editorial use only. Strictly no commercial use or association. Still image use only. Use implies acceptance of RWC 2019 T&Cs (in particular Section 5 of RWC 2019 T&Cs) at URL: bit.ly/2knOId6

The Blues received good news regarding the fitness of star playmaker Beauden Barrett, who was cleared of concussion symptoms after he sustained a head knock during the team’s victory against the Highlanders in Dunedin on Saturday.

The All Blacks fly-half came off second best in a collision with Highlanders outside centre Fetuli Paea during their Super Rugby Pacific encounter at Forsyth Barr Stadium.

Barrett stayed down and received medical attention after the incident before leaving the field with blood streaming from his nose.

That setback was a big concern for the Blues and New Zealand as the 30-year-old was sidelined during the early stages of the season due to a head injury sustained in the All Blacks’ Test defeat to Ireland in November.

But Blues head coach Leon MacDonald revealed that the “early signs are positive” after Barrett’s latest setback although he will miss the Auckland-based outfit’s next two fixtures.

“Other than a mangled face he’s come out pretty well,” MacDonald told AFP. “There’s always concern with anyone who gets a head knock. You don’t want to see anyone with concussion because it’s not a nice injury to have.

Recovery managed conservatively

“We were extra cautious in the way we brought Beauden back – we gave him extra time to make sure he felt really good.

“This injury now, it’s not a major one. He doesn’t have concussion symptoms as such so we’ll keep doing what we’re doing.”

Earlier this year Barrett, who is a two-time World Player of the Year, complained of migraines following his head injury against Ireland and MacDonald revealed that the Blues would not take any chances with his health.

“We want to look after our players’ welfare. We want him playing a long career, not just next week, so you’ve got to look at the big picture so we’ll take that same stance,” he explained.

Due to concussion protocols, a player who sustained a head knock must be sidelined for at least 10 days which means Barrett will miss the Blues’ next two matches – both against Moana Pasifika – on Tuesday and Saturday.

READ MORE: Beauden Barrett: Blues lose All Black fly-half after another head knock in win over Highlanders