During the second leg of Bradby Shield Trinity full back Saranga Gunathilaka got a blow on back of his head in the 30th minute, but the referee did not allow a replacement during the time he was tested for concussion.
The World Rugby law 3.10 talks about the Temporary Replacement – head injury assessment. However, For tournaments and matches approved by the Union or Rugby body having jurisdiction and with trained healthcare professionals, a temporary replacement may be used for a player who has a head injury where the diagnosis is unclear.
Law 10.3
(a)When a player leaves the field to have a head injury assessment that player may be temporarily replaced. If the player who has been temporarily replaced does not return to the field of play within ten minutes (actual time) of leaving the playing area, the replacement becomes permanent and the replaced player must not return to the field of play.
(b)The player must be presented to a match official on the touchline within the prescribed time period.
(c)If a head injury assessment starts within ten minutes of half time, the player must return to play immediately after half time or the replacement becomes permanent.
(d)A player who temporarily replaces a player who is being assessed at the pitch side for head injury must not take penalty kicks at goal or conversion kicks.
(e)If the temporary replacement is injured, that player may also be replaced.
(f)If the temporary replacement is sent off for foul play, the replaced player may not return to the field of play.
(g)If the temporary replacement is cautioned and temporarily suspended, the replaced player may not return to the field of play until after the period of suspension.
According to the Sri Lanka Schools Rugby Football Association (SLSRFA) law books the referee did the correct thing not allowing a replacement, but it is not sure whether player Gunathilaka had the proper concussion test to come back to the field so quickly. However, the world rugby is to implement the temporary replacement effective from 1st of August 2015 which is six weeks prior to the Rugby World Cup.
Here’s a look at how well a referee deals with a concussion.
