Knockout

Not before time, it appears that the IRB are in the final stages of putting together a "robust" set of guidelines to tackle the ever increasing problem of on-field concussion.

That’s all very well, but I understand that a concussion protocol already exists whereby a player who has suffered concussion is not allowed to play or train for a minimum of three weeks unless declared fit to play after appropriate assessment by a "properly qualified and recognised neurological specialist".

All of which begs the question of why Eoin Reddan and Kelly Brown, both knocked completely sparko last weekend, have been selected to play for Ireland and Scotland respectively on Saturday.

I’ve been concussed on more than one occasion, and there’s no way anyone (recognised neurological specialist or not) can be sure these guys are ready to play again within a week.