The debate around concussion in rugby has grown louder in recent years, with both Scotland and Wales deeply affected by ongoing concerns over player welfare. In a candid new interview, Wales legend George North revealed the “horrible weight” he carried after becoming the face of rugby’s head injury discussion — a story that resonates strongly in Scotland, where the national game has faced its own challenges with concussion protocols and player protection.
North’s ordeal with concussion
North, who suffered four serious head knocks in just five months between late 2014 and 2015, explained how his name became tied to the issue.
“My name for some reason became partnered with concussion, and at the time it’s very hard because you have a lot of people commenting and writing articles, a lot of doctors commenting,” North told BBC Sport.
“But it actually highlighted concussion – brought it to the forefront. Much better protocols are in place now off the back of it.”
His struggles — from losing balance and feeling constant head pressure to considering retirement — underline the dangers that Scottish players at both club and international level continue to face.
“I didn’t want to talk about it because it was not a very good time in my career and my life.”
Lessons for Scotland
The Scottish Rugby Union (SRU) has faced similar scrutiny over concussion management, particularly after high-profile injuries during Six Nations campaigns. North’s testimony highlights how far the sport has come — and how much further there is to go.
“If there’s any positive of carrying that load for a bit, it’s brought it to a point where we are much more aware and know how to deal with it.
At the time there was very little information in terms of knowing about recovery, the return to play protocol, so that’s why it was probably hard as well.”
Scottish rugby authorities have since echoed this sentiment, tightening Head Injury Assessment (HIA) protocols and investing in independent medical reviews.
⸻
Confidence in medical teams
Despite the controversies, North emphasised his trust in the professionals around him.
“I feel for every player on that list, obviously, but I can only really answer what my experience is.
I have the utmost confidence and trust in the medical team that I worked with.
The processes that we went through – we probably went over-cautious on some aspects of it because, first and foremost, my health was the most important.
I wouldn’t want to comment on other people’s conditions, but all I know is that with the medical staff, my family, my friends, myself, we only ever did what was best and what was right for me, and that’s something that I feel very strongly on.”
This perspective is especially relevant in Scotland, where ongoing legal cases and research into long-term brain health continue to shape public opinion.
Beyond concussion: wider rugby challenges
While his experience with head injuries remains central, North also touched on the broader struggles within Welsh rugby, offering insights that echo across the wider game.
George North’s reflections are more than a Welsh rugby story — they provide a sobering reminder for Scotland about the stakes of concussion management, the importance of medical trust, and the wider structural pressures on the professional game.
As Scottish Rugby navigates its own challenges — from Six Nations competitiveness to grassroots sustainability — North’s experiences stand as both a warning and a guide. The “horrible weight” he shouldered has helped shape safer protocols today, but the debate is far from over.
Concussion & HIA: FAQs for Scottish Rugby Readers Player Welfare
Accessible, evidence-based answers aligned with World Rugby and Scottish Rugby guidance.
What is a concussion in rugby?
A concussion is a brain injury caused by biomechanical forces (for example, a direct blow to the head or a body impact that transmits force to the head). Management follows evidence-based, medical protocols led by trained clinicians.
What is the Head Injury Assessment (HIA) used in elite rugby?
The HIA is a multi-stage, multi-modal process used in elite competitions approved by World Rugby. It combines observable signs, off-field clinical testing (a SCAT-based tool), video review, and competition medical oversight, followed by post-match assessments.
How long does the temporary HIA replacement last during a match?
12 minutes of absolute time (not playing time). A player cannot return before 12 minutes even if assessment is completed. If they are not ready to return by 12 minutes, the replacement becomes permanent.
Does an HIA “clear” a concussion on the spot?
No. Players with clear concussion signs (often called “Criteria 1” indicators, such as confirmed loss of consciousness or balance disturbance) are immediately and permanently removed and are considered concussed. For other head-impact events, an off-field assessment screens for suspected concussion; definitive decisions are made using subsequent medical evaluations (HIA2 within ~3 hours and HIA3 after 36–48 hours).
Who can identify a potential head-impact event that triggers removal?
Match officials, team doctors, independent match-day doctors, or pitch-side practitioners can identify an event via direct observation or video review in elite settings.
What is the minimum “stand-down” in the community game?
In the community game, the minimum stand-down from playing is typically 21 days, with a staged, symptom-limited return to activity under medical guidance. National unions may provide additional detail for local contexts.
What about elite adult return-to-play timelines?
Elite adult return-to-play follows an individualised, graduated return-to-sport process under doctor supervision. Competition and union regulations apply; World Rugby updates set minimum stand-downs in elite settings, and players progress only when symptom-free and medically cleared.
Do under-19 players use the HIA off-field test?
At elite competitions, players aged 18 and under are managed using a Recognise & Remove approach (no off-field HIA1 test). They are removed from play and follow age-appropriate concussion pathways.
Where can Scottish participants find official guidance?
Scottish Rugby’s Concussion resources provide up-to-date education for clubs, schools, players, and parents, alongside World Rugby’s Player Welfare/Passport materials.
What does a typical graduated return look like?
It starts with 24–48 hours of relative rest (normal daily activity that does not worsen symptoms), then a stepwise increase in activity. Steps 4–6 (rugby-specific/contact-risk training) begin only once symptoms have resolved and cognitive function is back to baseline. Progression usually takes a minimum of 24 hours per step and slows or pauses if symptoms recur.
