Toulouse and France star Romain Ntamack was stretchered off in his club side's Top 14 semi-final win over Bordeaux after a nasty clash of heads.
Ntamack was knocked out immediately in a rush tackle from Bordeaux centre Ulupano Seuteni, and received a second knock to the head when he landed.
Doctors were able to assess Ntamack very quickly, and he was substituted as he bled from his forehead.
Bordeaux's no. 13 Ulupano Seuteni has just been sent off for this sickening head clash with Romain Ntamack.
Ntamack knocked out cold and stretchered off, Seutini brought off bleeding from the forehead.
A mad few minutes#STUBB #Top14 pic.twitter.com/WMs5wIPSOH— EK Rugby Analysis (@ek_rugby) June 19, 2021
Romain Ntamack
Some immediate concerns over his safety were alleviated as Ntamack gave supporters a thumbs up as he left the field on a stretcher.
Toulouse coach Ugo Mola tempered the idea that Ntamack might be available for the biggest game in the club's season, drawing a comparison with Yoann Huget.
“It will be difficult to have Romain Ntamack on the team sheet on Friday night for the final,” said Toulouse coach Ugo Mola.
“To say that Romain Ntamack was not knocked out would be heresy. The last one who was not knocked out was unfortunately seriously injured the following week and was forced to retire from sports due to an injury: it is Yoann Huget.
“So in any case, we won’t take any risk with Romain’s health. He’s a young guy. I can understand the urge to play a final. But a 22 year old guy, with his talent and the friends he has, I have the impression that he will play others in the finals.
“So we are not going to take any risks and it is the medical profession that will decide.”
The incident is a stark reminder of the dangers that can be associated with high-speed collisions.
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