Ryan Jones - Heading Home With Concussion

12/06/09 16:30 Filed in: Injuries | Reserves | Squad
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Ryan Jones has been ruled out before his Lions tour had even begun due to a head injury sustained while on duty for Wales. The ex-Welsh skipper will be on a plane home to the UK after only just arriving in South Africa.

Jones suffered a blow to the head in Wales game against the USA last Saturday and was forced off in the first minute. On arrival in South Africa, Jones underwent the same rigorous medical checks as the rest of the Lions and this lead the medical team to refer him to an independent neurosurgeon. Due to the head injuries picked up in recent games it was considered unsafe for the loose forward to play competitively and he has subsequently been ruled out of the tour. He will be unable to play contact sport for three weeks. This is in line with IRB Regulation 10.1 on concussion.

Head coach Ian McGeechan has clarified that a further replacement will not be sought at this time. Given that Jones was flown out as cover, it is somewhat surprising that the management are not looking to bolster their ranks despite the Jones setback. One would have thought that if they needed cover yesterday, they should still need cover today!

Speaking to the media regarding the situation Jones said, “I am very disappointed that on medical grounds I have been told that I am not currently fit enough to play an active role on the tour. I was looking forward to getting involved with the rest of the lads but I guess it wasn’t meant to be. It has been an up and down year for me in many ways. I feel okay at present but obviously I have to listen to the neurosurgeon’s advice in terms of my health, and to ensure I make a full recovery.” 

Jones is expected to fly home tomorrow. We wish him all the best.
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