Head injury incident causes stir in U20 Six Nations

Italy U20’s shock 6-0 victory over England at the weekend brought with it an incident which has sparked much debate in the wake of the match. 

During the 76th minute, England winger Deago Bailey suffered a knock to the head after competing for the ball in the air. Bailey was subsequently examined swiftly by the England medical staff who gave him the green light to continue. Notably, a formal HIA test was not carried out. 

French referee Aurelie Groizeleau then stepped in, overruling the England team doctor and instructing Bailey to undergo the HIA test. 

The English doctor challenged Groizeleau, saying "I'm a doctor... we've assessed him." 

Groizeleau responded with, "It's the match doctor who decides the situation." 

Groizeleau, a former French Women’s representative, later told Sud Ouest: 

"I was sure of myself, of my decision, of the protocol that I had to respect. In addition, this had been verified by my video referee. I can have a strong character and I think I showed it. 

"I didn't let myself be walked all over. And I think it is welcomed by the English themselves, who did not understand the behaviour of their doctor. Because there, clearly, we do not respect the health of the player by leaving him on the ground." 

When asked if she had been taken aback by the England doctor’s reaction, Groizeleau said: 

"Yes, quite. Me, I continue the action and it's my assistant who asks me to stop because the player was passed out, which I didn't notice right away. 

"The match doctor immediately enters the field, immediately I understand the gravity of the situation. My report is with the match doctor, not those of the teams. If he tells me he has to go out, we apply the medical protocol without discussion."