A rugby player's death reinforces the importance of removing players from the field if they have suffered a head injury, Coroner Brandt Shortland says.
Viliami Alamoni Halaifonua, known as Willie, was 27 when he died from complications arising from blunt trauma to the head during a senior club game in Takapuna.
In findings just released, the coroner said there was nothing remarkable during the game to show the injury Mr Halaifonua suffered, but he collapsed while the teams were shaking hands afterwards.
Mr Shortland emphasised the need to keep promoting community concussion education in rugby and rugby league.
He said while it was inevitable players would be injured, it was important to remove and test any player suspected of having a head injury or who has been involved in a serious collision during the game.
