Cricket Australia will this summer "introduce an updated policy on concussion across all matches sanctioned by the governing body" that will "replicate the action" taken in the Caribbean when Chris Rogers was the victim of a head knock in the lead-up to the first Test, according to Chris Barrett of the SYDNEY MORNING HERALD. A meeting of the game's medical staff and doctors connected to teams around Australia has "determined" that, as is the current situation with the National Rugby League and the Australian Football League, players who "show signs of concussion after a blow to the head will be instructed to leave the ground immediately for assessment." The new policy will "cover all men's and women's matches that fall under CA's jurisdiction," from int'l to state and national under-age level (SMH, 6/3).
DANGEROUS PLAY: In Sydney, Georgina Robinson wrote Super Rugby administrators have "vowed to continue a crackdown on suspected incidents of dangerous play but dodged questions about the consistency of the judicial process." SANZAR "declined to directly respond to questions raised about its citations process" by Waratahs assistant coach Daryl Gibson after the suspension of winger Rob Horne. Game Manager Lyndon Bray said that, on the wider issue of foul play and criticism from senior Waratahs players, the game is "suffering from more frequent stoppages to scrutinise borderline incidents." Bray: "The reality in our game at the moment is that lifting tackles, neck grapples in the ruck or maul and other dangerous clean-outs are a major focus for both World Rugby and the national unions. These techniques are getting more prevalent, especially in the professional game" (SMH, 6/3).
