1 Mar 2016

Crusaders say players health is paramount

8:10 am on 1 March 2016

The Crusaders assistant coach Dave Hewett doesn't think teams will ever attempt to manipulate a concussion ruling to overcome a similar situation they had at the weekend.

The Crusaders' Reed Prinsep is treated after suffering a concussion.

The Crusaders' Reed Prinsep is treated after suffering a concussion. Photo: PHOTOSPORT

Crusaders replacement flanker, Reed Prinsep, was knocked unconscious in the 65th minute of their match against the Chiefs.

The Crusaders weren't able to replace Prinsep with Tim Boys, the man he came on for just moments earlier because the law states that only those leaving the field for a blood or concussion test can be replaced by a member of the original starting team.

Prinsep was never going to return to the field and was therefore replaced by the only other person on the bench, the reserve halfback Leon Fukofuka.

Hewett says the players safety is always paramount.

"I don't think you'll ever get that where people will risk the health of an individual, so if it meant us playing with 14 or in the case of Leon coming on at blindside, I think we'll never mess around with that," Hewett said.

"I don't know if any of the New Zealand coaches would do that, the guys health or head is paramount, but to support us we do need the help from the ruling body and I'm sure they'll look at it and get back to us."

The Crusaders play the Blues in Christchurch in the second round.

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