Anthony Watson Admits Cheating Concussion Protocol During Lions Tour
Former England and British & Irish Lions wing Anthony Watson has revealed he deliberately cheated a head injury assessment (HIA) to return to play during the second Test of the 2017 British & Irish Lions tour of New Zealand. The admission came in a new BBC documentary, “Ben Youngs Investigates: How Safe Is Rugby?”
The Incident and Watson’s Actions
The incident occurred after Watson was tackled high by All Black Sonny Bill Williams, resulting in a 25th-minute red card for Williams. Watson stated he felt the impact immediately and began to feel hazy during the HIA protocol. Knowing the protocol involved recalling five words – “elbow-apple-carpet-saddle-bubble” – Watson had memorized them beforehand.
“I knew the impact was big and as I got in to do the protocol I was starting to feel a bit hazy,” Watson recalled. “At that stage I knew the protocols. They give you five words to remember… I managed to get through the walking tests and all of that and then when it came to the words, I knew it off by heart so I knew I was going to get straight back on.”
Despite appearing unsteady immediately after the collision – initially failing a balance test – Watson successfully completed the assessment and returned to the pitch six minutes later, playing the remainder of the 24-21 Lions victory. He also played 72 minutes in the drawn series decider the following week.
Changes to HIA Protocols
World Rugby has since modified the recall element of the HIA protocol. The previous system of memorizing specific words has been replaced with a more random method designed to be more hard to circumvent. As reported by Yahoo Sports, this change aims to improve the accuracy and reliability of concussion assessments.
Player Welfare Concerns in Rugby
Watson’s admission highlights ongoing concerns about player welfare and the potential for a culture of silence surrounding concussion in elite rugby. While Watson’s case demonstrates a player actively attempting to return to play despite potential concussion symptoms, other players are taking steps to prioritize their health. Centre Garry Ringrose, for example, self-reported concussion symptoms before a Test match during the 2023 Lions tour of Australia and subsequently sat out the game.
Aftermath and Reflections
Interestingly, just weeks after the high tackle, Watson found himself sharing drinks with Sonny Bill Williams in Fiji. As detailed in the Mirror, the pair enjoyed cava together, showcasing a surprising level of camaraderie after the on-field incident.
Watson’s revelation adds to the growing conversation about the safety of rugby and the importance of prioritizing player health. The changes to HIA protocols reflect a commitment to improving concussion assessment, but the demand for continued vigilance and a culture of openness remains crucial.