This is a new case which should bring grist to the mill of those who are concerned about the management of concussions in rugby. During the Pro D2 match between Mont-de-Marsan and Provence Rugby, Friday evening, full-back Mathias Colombet was the victim of a terrible concussion during the action of the Mons victory try (20-18) at the 73rd minute.
An impressive shock against Stade Montois Fijian winger Eroni Sau which left him instantly unconscious and led to his leaving the field on a stretcher after having a neck brace fitted.
The problem is that two minutes earlier, on the same play, Mathias Colombet had already remained on the ground for a long time after an action in which he was tackled. For almost a minute, he struggles to get up and a trainer who arrives at his bedside performs, as the Rugby + images quite clearly show, the hand gesture on the head to request a concussion protocol.
But, for a still unexplained reason, Mathias Colombet then resumes his place in the Provençal defense until, therefore, this second shock which leaves him lifeless.
Matthias Colombet should never have stayed on the field after his first KO! Deliberate endangerment of one’s life!!!! Terrible image ???? ????????????????????????
— Antoine Semeria (@avosports) November 17, 2023
On Twitter, lawyer Antoine Semeria, founder of the Alerte Commotions association, was immediately moved. “Matthias Colombet should never have stayed on the field after his first KO! Deliberate endangerment of his life! Terrible image. »
Contacted by us, he developed his point of view: “He is KO. following a tackle suffered at high intensity. I just watched the action again. The doctors clearly request the implementation of the protocol (concussion). Why did he stay on the field? This is madness. » Specialists often warn, especially among very young players, against the risk of second impact syndrome, which can have devastating effects on the brain.
A back with a solid build (1.89m, 92kg) and renowned as a good defender, Mathias Colombet, 26, has been playing at Provence Rugby since the end of October, where he was loaned by Pau. He is an international with the French rugby sevens team. Asked for news of the player and explanations on his continued presence on the field, the Provence Rugby club had not yet responded to our requests this Friday evening.
