Former England Rugby Player Anthony Watson Admits Cheating Head Injury Tests
- A high-profile Lions Test incident has resurfaced after a former England international opened up about manipulating concussion protocols
- The revelation has reignited debate around player welfare, responsibility and the pressures athletes face to stay on the field
- Rugby’s head injury assessment system has since undergone significant changes in an effort to close loopholes and strengthen medical oversight
A former British and Irish Lions rugby player has admitted that he cheated in a head injury assessment test to get back on the pitch after a heavy tackle. Anthony Watson told the BBC that he took this step in 2017 during the second Test against the All Blacks in New Zealand, when he was high tackled by Sonny Bill Williams. Williams received a straight red card for the offence.
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Watson revealed that he had memorised a set of five words to help him pass the head injury assessment during matches. He admitted that after the collision, he began to feel disoriented but used his prior knowledge of the test to his advantage. Watson emphasised that the Lions’ medical staff were unaware of his actions, saying he knew the protocol required recalling five words: “elbow, apple, carpet, saddle, bubble.” He recited them from memory to return to the field.
After the tackle, Watson initially struggled with his walk and failed to stand steadily, which led to his substitution and the HIA process. A few minutes later, he returned to the field and helped inspire the Lions to a 24-21 victory. He also played the majority of the next match at Eden Park.
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Changes to head injury protocols
Since then, the head injury assessment has evolved significantly. Players no longer memorise the same five words for recall. Instead, each assessment uses a random sequence drawn from a bank of 20 words. Any mistakes are penalised, meaning trying to memorise all 20 words would fail.
Watson’s former England team-mate Jonny May admitted in 2019 that after a head knock against Wales, he tried and failed to pass this part of the test by repeating words.
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What does the HIA entail?
The assessment also tests a player’s balance and orientation, and they must pass all elements before returning to the field. Independent doctors review video footage and data from smart mouthguards to examine collisions. In rare cases, they can overrule the results if they have concerns about a player’s performance or if the test was not administered correctly. Even after passing or failing, players continue to be monitored in the hours and days that follow.
Watson retired from rugby in 2025 after suffering a back injury, joining the likes of Springboks legend Steven Kitshoff, who was forced into retirement last year due to a career-threatening neck injury. Earlier this year, a French rugby star also had to end his career after a heart condition required time in intensive care.
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Source: Briefly News
