HARLEQUINS IRISH DIRECTOR of rugby Conor O’Shea has underlined the importance of thinking long-term about players who suffer a concussion.

‘Quins fullback Mike Brown suffered a concussion in England’s Six Nations win over Italy on 14 February and subsequently showed symptoms during the dramatic Six Nations finale against France.

Speaking to The Independent today, O’Shea was more than happy to ignore the needs of his own club when planning a return to the field for his star 15.

“We care about him and support him. I want to see Mike Brown right when he is in his 50s, not when he is in his prime. He will not undergo a normal return-to-play procedure now. It will be a more extensive procedure. It’s not about ‘Quins, it’s about Mike.”

O’Shea is confident that the extended layoff will leave Brown free to play a part in England’s World Cup tilt, saying he’ll be fit in time for the summer’s World Cup warm-up fixtures.

“The World Cup is not an issue at all. With your England hat on, you might say this enforced break is the best thing for his limbs.”

‘Wrong turn of phrase’

The ex-Ireland international added: “Mike has played just six league games for us this season and it looks like it will probably stay that way.

“He comes in to see the medics, but until he’s symptom-free, he won’t resume any sort of training. It’s probably the wrong turn of phrase, but it’s doing his head in because he can’t train and is very frustrated. He has headaches throughout the day.

“If it’s an ankle injury, you can grade it and set a timescale. This is more ‘how long is a piece of string? Are we worried? Of course we’re worried’. He didn’t even enjoy his week away. I feel for him.

“If I said to you ‘go home, you’ll have headaches for the next month and you don’t know when they are going to stop’ – well that’s a pretty tough place to be and that is where he is at the moment.”

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