injuryupdate
13-10-2003, 09:32 AM
The dramatic removal of David Giffin from Stadium Australia in the World Cup opener will be a test for IRB concussion laws. For years, the International Rugby Board has imposed a mandatory three week stand-down period after a concussion, although in recent years it has relaxed this stance allowing players to return earlier if cleared by a medical specialist. No justification has been given for the magical figure of three weeks, although rugby union has wanted to avoid the scenario of concussed players returning to the game which is not uncommon in other football codes. Giffin was taken from the field immobilised on a stretcher and surrounded by doctors in a process that took almost 10 minutes. During most of this time he appeared to be unconscious. He was later described as having suffered 'severe concussion'. The Wallabies next important game is against Ireland in three weeks and he would be expected back for this game. If he makes an appearance before this, outsiders would question what type of injury the three week stand-down period existed for.