Concussion symptoms, concern for Hartley ahead of S/Africa tour

Rugby
London, April 9, 2018 (Reuters/NAN) England Captain Dylan Hartley has yet to come through return-to-play protocols, after reporting concussion symptoms following the Six Nations game against Ireland last month.

Hartley’s Northampton club coach is reluctant to put a timeframe on his return.

News of Hartley’s concussion issues will be a worry for England’s Coach Eddie Jones, who will be keen to have the hooker available for a three-test series against South Africa in June.

“Dylan reported concussion symptoms after the Ireland game; so, it is one of those – he’ll go through the return-to-play protocols,” Saints Coach, Alan Dickens, told reporters.

“In terms of the focus on concussion now, it’s a concern for all the players.

“That’s why they are so stringent in terms of the process to return to play. We’ll do what’s right by Dylan.”

Hartley, who has missed Northampton’s last two matches, was sidelined for a significant spell, two years ago, due to head injuries. (Reuters/NAN)

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Edited by Emmanuel Okara/Ijeoma Popoola