Ireland: Safety campaigners concerned about Johnny Sexton’s selection for All Blacks Test

David Skippers

File photo dated 12-03-2022 of Ireland's Johnny Sexton who has been declared "good to go" for Saturday's second Test against New Zealand. Issue date: Tuesday July 5, 2022.

Safety campaign group Progressive Rugby have raised concerns after Ireland captain Johnny Sexton was selected for Saturday’s second Test against the All Blacks.

Sexton was forced off the field with a head knock during the first half of the opening Test in Auckland last weekend, after he failed an on-field assessment.

Fit for action

However, the Irish camp confirmed on Tuesday that Sexton had passed all the necessary head-injury assessment (HIA) protocols and was available for selection for this weekend’s encounter against New Zealand in Dunedin.

And the 36-year-old has been picked to lead Ireland for the crunch encounter – something which is a concern for Progressive Rugby.

“Elite players who fail an in-game HIA1 have, by definition, displayed cognitive dysfunction requiring their removal,” said a Progressive Rugby spokesperson.

“In our view, this is sufficient evidence, regardless of subsequent testing, to exercise extreme caution for the good of both their short and long-term health.

“This caution must be further amplified in players with a history of brain injury, as evidence is they are at higher risk of sustaining further concussions and other injuries.

“Regrettably, the HIA is being exposed. Last week the process again failed to diagnose a clear and obvious brain injury (Jeremy Loughman), while three days later we are told it has identified a phantom one (Sexton).

“The fact is there remains no examination by any expert that can demonstrate a brain has healed and is not at risk of further damage. As such, if player welfare is truly the game’s number one priority, the only option must be to err on the side of caution – otherwise the new elite protocols are failing in their key purpose.”

Sexton has had several head knocks and the perception around them throughout his career.

During that first Test against New Zealand at Eden Park, he slipped and collided with All Blacks captain Sam Cane’s legs which led to his removal from the action.

Passed all HIA protocols

Ireland head coach Andy Farrell confirmed that the experienced playmaker had passed the later stages of the HIA process, while assistant coach Mike Catt revealed that Sexton was “good to go” on Tuesday.

World Rugby was contacted for comment, while Ireland and Sexton were adamant that all protocols were fully adhered to.

Farrell has made just one alteration to his run-on side for the second Test, with Mack Hansen coming in for Keith Earls on the wing.

READ MORE: Johnny Sexton: Ireland captain ‘good to go’ for second All Blacks Test