Match officials got it wrong

NEWS: SANZAAR has confirmed that sideline match officials made an incorrect ruling towards the end of the Reds versus Crusaders match in Brisbane at the weekend.

Crusader No.22, Mitchell Hunt, who had replaced flyhalf Richie Mo’unga [tactical substitution], was removed from the field in the 71st minute due to evidence he had received a concussive incident.

This determination removed the requirement for an HIA assessment as per HIA protocols.

Hunt was then replaced by Mo’unga, despite Crusaders having used all their substitutions, as allowed by the same HIA protocols.

Unfortunately, a sideline official determined that as no HIA had been carried out Hunt was simply injured and therefore not allowed to be replaced.

This lead to Mo’unga incorrectly being taken from the field at the 74-minute mark.

SANZAAR is disappointed that the HIA protocols, introduced into the game as player welfare measure, were wrongly interpreted and is taking steps to ensure such incidents do not occur moving forward.

• Watch Crusaders coach Scott Robertson’s reaction …