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Concussion rules All Blacks rookie Luke Jacobson out of World Cup


Luke Jacobson. (Photo by Michael Bradley/Getty Images)
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All Blacks loose forward Luke Jacobson is to miss the Rugby World Cup in Japan after suffering a delayed onset of concussion.

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In a statement released by New Zealand Rugby on Friday, head coach Steve Hansen said the 22-year-old had not presented with any signs of concussion after the test against Tonga last week, but developed symptoms after the first training session this week.

“After discussing this latest episode with Luke, as well as our medical team, the decision has been made to, sadly, withdraw him from the tournament,” Hansen said.

“We all felt that the best thing for him to do is to take a break from rugby until he is symptom-free and ready to return to rugby.

“While it was a tough conversation to have, ultimately it was a very simple decision. We have a duty of care to look after our players and Luke’s health is the most important thing above anything else.

“Luke’s a young man with a hugely promising career ahead of him and I’m sure he’ll get the chance to play at other Rugby World Cups in the future.”

Hansen said the team were all feeling for the two-test youngster and were supporting him. He will stay with the group until he is symptom-free and ready to fly home.

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“I’m gutted to be missing the Rugby World Cup,” Jacobson said.

“However, I completely understand that this decision has been made with my health and best interests at heart.

“Whilst I’m feeling 98 percent okay, I know I’m still not quite right and by taking a break now, I’ll give myself the opportunity to continue my career in the future. I wish the team all the very best and will be with them all the way.”

Tasman loose forward Shannon Frizell, who was one of five players cut from the All Blacks squad ahead of the Bledisloe Cup series, has been called in and will arrive in Japan on Saturday.

Hansen said loose forwards Vaea Fifita and Dalton Papalii weren’t considered for selection because they are currently injured.

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No comment has yet been made about the availability of Liam Squire.

In other news:

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NoLongerARuck 1 hour ago
Nations Championship: 'The data shows the north has finally caught up with the south'

The Six Nations produced so many compelling games and so much of action packed moments that you can only conclude that its the best international comp out there at the moment except for a world cup. If Wales improve it will be even better especially given the strides Italy have made in recent times. The Rugby Championship is now taking a hiatus in a year it really should be building toward something better which is terrible considering the competition was so tight last year. The Nations Champs promises much but one gets the feeling that the 6 Nations teams will not be at their peak given its at the end of their long season. In terms of rugby quality and entertainment Id rather watch the 6 Nations over everything else other than a world cup right now. The North arguably offers more in terms of entertainment than the South at club level as well. The Prem, the Champs Cup, URC and Top 14 all feature plenty of scoring and different playing styles while Super Rugby seems to be the same thing game in game out. While the South tries to speed up the game artificially with new trials and law variations the North has shown you can do it with good refereeing which penalises cynical play harshly and encourages positive actions on the field. In terms of entertainment the North wins. In terms of winning? They are making strides but until they win another world cup or get a team to rank number 1 again for an extended time again they cant really say they are better than the South.

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