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'Sorry Ugo, that's unacceptable': Monye concussion claim criticised

By Kim Ekin
(Photo by Alex Davidson/Getty Images)

Progressive Rugby, the concussion awareness group, have taken issue with recent comments from ex-England and Lions winger Ugo Monye while praising what Ben Kay – another ex-England and Lions player – had to say on the topic during a discussion on BT Sport. 

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Monye and Kay were studio guests on last Sunday’s Rugby Tonight programme and the pair discussed tackle technique, concussions, return to play protocol and more following a clip that showed Saracens’ Ben Earl taking a blow to his head in the previous day’s Gallagher Premiership match versus Bristol.  

That incident followed the publication on Friday of the Six Nations’ investigation into the Tomas Francis concussion during last month’s England versus Wales Guinness Six Nations match at Twickenham.   

Video Spacer

What happens inside the brain during a concussion

Video Spacer

What happens inside the brain during a concussion

Replying to show host Craig Doyle, Monye claimed that it was impossible under the current guidelines for a player to return too early from a concussion. “We’re good at recognising concussion,” said Monye. “It’s important to state that mistakes will be made, absolutely. You’ve got people on the pitch and people sat in the stands who are watching it on replay.

“In terms of returning too quickly, that’s impossible. There is a clear framework and guideline which is used. You can’t even start until you’re cleared of a headache and then it’s a graduated return to play.”

Progressive Rugby didn’t agree and took to Twitter to voice its concerns. “Ugo Monye stating as fact that it’s ‘impossible’ to return to play from a brain injury too quickly in the elite game, just days after an enquiry conceded Tomas Francis was allowed to return to the pitch with a brain injury during England v Wales. Sorry Ugo, that’s unacceptable.

“We should add a thank you to Ben Kay who made some excellent points and, most importantly, made it very clear that head guards do not provide protection against concussion. This is a common misconception that needs reinforcing.”

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Jonathan Foster 2 hours ago
Scott Lawrence: 'I think the forward pass for the Fiji try was a pivotal moment in the game'

In this match, Fiji’s performance was exceptional, and the statistics reflect that they were the superior team on the day.


For instance:


Possession: Fiji controlled 59% of the possession during the match, while the USA only had 41% (RugbyPass, 2024). This allowed Fiji to apply constant pressure on USA’s defense and create more opportunities for scoring.


Territory: Fiji spent 64% of the match in USA’s half, keeping the Americans under sustained pressure (World Rugby, 2024).


Offensive Play: Fiji made 7 line breaks, compared to USA’s 3. In addition, Fiji completed 12 offloads while USA only managed 5, highlighting Fiji's superior attacking ability and ball handling (World Rugby, 2024).


Scrums and Rucks: Fiji was dominant in the scrums, winning 100% of their own scrums (8 out of 8), whereas USA only won 71% of theirs (5 out of 7).


Additionally, Fiji won 6 turnovers compared to USA’s 2 (ESPN, 2024). This scrummaging and breakdown superiority was a critical factor in controlling the game.


Additionally, while forward passes can be contentious, it’s important to note that USA was also guilty of making 3 forward passes during the match, which resulted in lost opportunities and turnovers (RugbyPass, 2024).


These key errors disrupted momentum and contributed to their inability to maintain a sustained attack.


References

ESPN. (2024). Fiji vs USA match report. Retrieved from https://www.espn.com/rugby/match


RugbyPass. (2024). Scott Lawrence on the Fiji match and forward pass controversy. Retrieved from https://www.rugbypass.com/news


World Rugby. (2024). Fiji triumphs over USA in a thrilling encounter. Retrieved from https://www.world.rugby.com

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JW 4 hours ago
‘Did Conrad really score that many’: Rieko Ioane dismisses All Blacks drought

Indeed, but I also appreciate how Razor now has him covering the backfield more. Are they conflicting uses? Who was it that covered the Arg game, John(?), no it was a YTer (squidge?) suggested Jordies role was to chase and support the wing for a tap back.


That turnover try was actually a great example of were Jordies boot could have been used for territory instead of attacking (contestable). Hansen talking again about 'learnings' about what part of the field they want to play in. I would have thought that would be a basic principle about how the coaches want to play and it would be a bit late now to be learning that.


Nevrtheless we wait and see. One Barretts carrying though I'd suggest he only has a mandate to bring some physicality, not in how he does it. You can see how out of kilter he gets when he tries to do anything other than a simple cart up and pop. Just look at least week when he had two players on the outside to hit in multiple ways and he just indecisively takes the tackle before giving a poor overhead pop. That he still got the pass away hints at what he is "capable of" but as you saw, with free license, its just far off the mark. I've decided Rieko is my 12 from now on. I'd like Jordie to remain primarly at 12 at the Hurricans, as I feel that's were his best alround game can be kept in good shape, and you never know perhaps he will fill into the position after a while, but I'd like to try other centers essentially. But yes, if Razor/Hansen can get both him and Dmac humming in partnership they could also essentially cover many of the fb roles which aren't Jordans strength. Also obv happy to see Rieko tried on the wing just now I think that's more likely to fail than a Rieko/Proctor midfield.

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