Anthony Watson’s revelation about cheating a head injury assessment during the 2017 British & Irish Lions series against New Zealand has reignited important conversations about player welfare and concussion management in elite rugby. The former England and Lions wing, who retired on medical grounds in January 2025 at age 30 due to a persistent back injury, spoke openly in the BBC documentary Ben Youngs Investigates: How Safe Is Rugby? about deliberately memorising five words to pass the recall test after Sonny Bill Williams’ infamous high tackle. For online readers exploring Anthony Watson 2017 Lions head injury assessment and the evolution of rugby concussion protocols, his story offers a compelling mix of personal honesty, historical context, and forward-looking optimism about safety advancements.
Moreover, the incident occurred in the second Test in Auckland when Williams drove a straight shoulder into Watson’s head as the wing gathered a loose ball. Williams was shown a red card in the 25th minute, leaving the Lions a player up. Watson later admitted he felt “a bit hazy” immediately after the collision and failed an initial attempt to stand. Jack Nowell replaced him temporarily while medical staff conducted the head injury assessment. Yet Watson returned to the field just six minutes later after successfully recalling the pre-memorised words: elbow, apple, carpet, saddle, bubble. He went on to play the full 80 minutes in the Lions’ dramatic 24-21 win and featured for 72 minutes in the drawn decider a week later.
Watson was quick to praise the Lions medical team, stressing they had “no idea” of his actions and that he takes full responsibility. “I knew the protocols—they give you five words to remember,” he explained. This admission, made years after the event, underscores the intense pressure players felt to stay on the pitch during a career-defining series.
Evolution of Rugby’s Head Injury Assessment Protocol
Transitioning to safety improvements, the recall element of the head injury assessment has undergone significant changes since 2017. Players are now presented with a random sequence drawn from a bank of 20 different words for each assessment, rather than a fixed list compared to a preseason baseline. Incorrect answers result in penalties, effectively preventing memorisation tactics. Additional elements, including balance tests, orientation checks, and mandatory reading of symptom checklists, must all be passed before return to play is permitted.
Furthermore, independent doctors now review video replays and data from smart mouthguards, with the power to overrule assessment results if concerns remain. Players who fail or are removed continue receiving monitoring in the hours and days that follow. These layered safeguards reflect World Rugby’s ongoing commitment to reducing risks, building on updates introduced after the 2016 Berlin Concussion Consensus Statement and subsequent reviews.
Key Changes to Head Injury Assessment Protocol Since 2017
| Year | Change Implemented | Impact on Player Safety |
|---|---|---|
| 2017 | Fixed 10-minute off-field assessment window | Prevents premature returns |
| 2019 | Expanded to 10-word immediate memory list | Increases assessment rigour |
| Post-2019 | Random word sequences from larger bank | Eliminates memorisation loopholes |
| Current | Smart mouthguard data + video review | Enables independent overrule |
This table illustrates the progressive enhancements that have made circumventing protocols far more difficult today. Watson himself believes modern players “could not circumvent testing” as he did, describing the current system as “too hard to fudge.”
Personal Reflections and Comparisons with Garry Ringrose
In addition, Watson expressed no regrets about his 2017 choice, citing the rarity of a Lions Test opportunity. “If I could go back to then I wouldn’t do anything different – it was the second Lions Test,” he said. He acknowledged suffering a severe headache that night but prioritised the immediate contest over potential removal. However, he contrasted his decision with Ireland centre Garry Ringrose’s selfless withdrawal from the second Test of the 2025 Lions tour to Australia after experiencing recurring concussion symptoms. “Fair play to him,” Watson noted. “It is hard to say, ‘No I can’t play because I have a concussion’ because no-one can see it – it is not visible.” Ringrose’s action, taken despite being selected, has been widely praised as a positive example of player welfare awareness.
Watson’s career was marked by resilience, from early rejections to climbing the rugby pyramid and becoming a key figure for England (56 caps) and the Lions. He endured multiple setbacks, including the 2017 incident and later injuries, before retiring after being advised by surgeons that further play was not advisable. His openness about mental resilience, including therapy during personal challenges, adds depth to his perspective on rugby’s risks and rewards.
Broader Implications for Rugby Safety and the Future
Nevertheless, Watson maintains that rugby is safer now than ever before. “As a professional, you acknowledge there are risks of playing the game but the tech and protocol means players are safer than they have ever been, and that is only going to improve,” he stated. While acknowledging past “dark arts” around head injury assessments, he believes the combination of education, technology, and stricter enforcement has transformed the sport.
For supporters and analysts interested in Anthony Watson 2017 Lions head injury assessment and rugby concussion protocols, his story serves as both a cautionary tale from a previous era and evidence of meaningful progress. The documentary featuring his interview, released in early March 2026, coincides with ongoing discussions about long-term brain health in contact sports. Managers and governing bodies continue emphasising prevention, with World Rugby investing in research and rule adjustments.
In summary, Anthony Watson’s admission provides rare insight into the mindset of elite athletes under pressure. His willingness to share the experience, without seeking to shift blame, contributes constructively to the conversation on player welfare. As rugby evolves with enhanced protocols and greater awareness, cases like Watson’s and Ringrose’s highlight the importance of individual responsibility alongside systemic safeguards. The sport’s commitment to continuous improvement offers hope that future generations can enjoy the physical and competitive rewards of rugby with reduced long-term risks.
Watson’s journey—from cheating the system in 2017 to retiring in 2025 and now advocating through reflection—encapsulates the complex realities of professional rugby. Fans worldwide continue to debate safety measures, but the evidence points to a game that is learning from its past and prioritising the well-being of its players. As technology and protocols advance further, the balance between tradition and protection will remain central to rugby’s future success.
