The Concussion Blog

A former player for possibly the world’s most recognizable rugby team may be on his way out due to concussions.  The All Blacks – the New Zealand national team – is the height of sport in New Zealand and a nation holds the players in amazingly high standards.  To say the All Blacks are a union team would be a serious understatement.  The All Blacks are the current World Cup holder, ranked number one, have one 75% of their matches and hold both Bledisloe Cup and Freedom Cup (significant markers).  They are Rugby Union.  Any player that makes the roster is one of the best, this can be said for Benson Stanley.

Stanley now plays for the Blues in the Super Rugby League – a league that extends two continents and three countries.  This past weekend Stanley may have seen his career ended;

Blues coach Pat Lam says that he is concerned about Benson Stanley’s health and playing future after he suffered concussion playing against the Crusaders.

The former All Black centre’s career is now hanging in the balance after this latest concussion which is his fifth major head knock in less than a year.

Lam said that it is possible that Stanley will have to go through a series of tests to assess how bad his most recent injury is.

“Bit concerned, another concussion, and he’s had a few now” Lam told NewstalkZB.

“Well he hasn’t had one this year, but obviously on the back of last year with Auckland when he had that last one.”

The issue is relevant because Stanley has a history of long recoveries, as last season he took a leave to recover from what he said was slow reaction times and poor memory.

Rugby has done a decent job of talking the talk with concussions; it is now time they start walking the walk, perhaps Stanley can help this sport begin to understand and embrace the changes necessary.

Also for your viewing pleasure, one of my most favorite “things” in sport is the Haka, please enjoy;