World Rugby issue immediate change to HIA protocol

Reporting from Yokohama: World Rugby have issued an immediate HIA clarification due to the length of time it is taking players to get to their assessments.

There have been several HIAs already in the first weekend of the tournament – both South Africa’s Faf de Klerk and Fiji’s Peceli Yato failed HIAs yesterday.

However, with many of the pitches being new to both players and support staff, there have been delays in players beginning their assessment, which normally lasts 10 minutes from the point at which they leave the field.

The statement reads:

“World Rugby has announced a Rugby World Cup 2019-specific clarification of Law 3.27b relating to the timing of the Head Injury Assessment (HIA).

“Specifically for Rugby World Cup, with immediate effect, the official 10-minute HIA window will commence from the moment the temporarily replaced player enters the HIA room, rather than when the player leaves the playing area. This is to facilitate slightly longer distances to the HIA room from the field of play at some of the venues.

“World Rugby has also reiterated that ff the time allowed for a temporary replacement elapses during half-time, the replacement shall become permanent unless the replaced player returns to the field of play immediately at the start of the second half.”

New Zealand coach Steve Hansen and captain Kieran James Read reflect on their side’s 23-13 victory over New Zealand in the opening fixture of their campaign to defend the World Cup.