Tom Curry returns to the field despite being ‘clearly unconscious’ in first weekend Premiership controversy
There has been more HIA controversy in the opening weekend of the Premiership season, with England and Sale Sharks star Tom Curry at the centre of it.
The back-rower – who overcame a career-threatening hip injury last season – sustained a hefty blow to the head after six minutes in the Sharks’ victory over Harlequins at the weekend, and was taken off for an HIA.
He was later admitted back onto the pitch after initially passing the test, however he was removed from the field for good at the half-time interval.
“Reassessed at half-time”
Commenting on the incident, Sale Sharks director of rugby Alex Sanderson shed some light on the decision to take him off at the break.
“Tom passed his HIA, went back on, and then at half-time we reassessed him again,” he said.
He added: “We were just being precautionary with Tom to look after him because we almost have to protect him from himself sometimes.”
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Curry only returned to full fitness for Sale’s Premiership semi-final clash with Bath last year, but he did feature from the bench in all three of England’s summer Tests against Japan and New Zealand.
“Clearly unconscious”
The decision to bring Curry back onto the pitch has caused a stir amongst fans on social media, with users taking to X to vent their frustrations.
Posting on X, user Progressive Rugby said: “Tom Curry appears to lose consciousness after a tackle. Protocol is to remove immediately and permanently. Got to get these things right.
First weekend and already a HIA controversy.
Tom Curry appears to lose consciousness after a tackle but given HIA and returns to the field.
Protocol is to remove immediately and permanently if category 1 symptom is present.
Got to get these right 🧠#SALvHAR #GallagherPrem https://t.co/bVtcCJzuUq
— Progressive Rugby (@ProgressiveRug) September 22, 2024
Another X user added: “Tom Curry clearly unconscious after this collision”
Tom Curry clearly unconscious after this collision.@ProgressiveRug
#SALvHAR pic.twitter.com/31q6k6nged
— Tony Hill (@AntonyMHill) September 22, 2024
Another posted their shock at seeing Curry return to the field.
Just seen that mate & in Sale game was shocked to see Tom Curry back on after getting sparked out, so seems bit of it about this weekend!
— Matt Croot (@CrootMatt) September 22, 2024
The Sharks could be set for another extended period without Curry in their side.
Elsewhere, fellow England summer tourist, Bevan Rodd, will undergo a scan on a hamstring injury.