Scotland Six Nations stars in sickening head-to-head collision as Ireland medics help out | Rugby | Sport

Two Scotland stars collided in a nasty head clash during their Six Nations match against Ireland. Darcy Graham was withdrawn on a stretcher after receiving lengthy medical treatment at Murrayfield.

Graham and team-mate Finn Russell had attempted to prevent an Ireland attack down the left side. Ireland’s James Lowe broke forwards and attempted to play a pass infield to Jamison Gibson-Park.

Graham and Russell both leapt at speed to intercept the pass and were able to do so, preventing Gibson-Park from scoring what would have been a near-certain try. However, the Scotland duo’s heads came together with force in a horror collision.

Referee James Doleman immediately halted the game, telling players: “Stop, stop, you’ve got men down.”

After realising that all the Irish players were fine, the team’s medics helped their Scottish counterparts.

“Darcy Graham… There’s been a collision,” said BBC commentator Andrew Cotter in a concerned tone. “It’s Finn Russell as well on the far side.”

Co-commentator Chris Paterson added: “It was James Lowe who got away down [Scotland’s] right-hand side. As Graham has tried to recover, he’s had a collision with his own man. It’s obviously nice to see the Irish medics on hand as well, helping out the Scottish medics.”

Cotter continued: “Darcy Graham and Finn Russell come together. Darcy Graham actually usually plays in a scrum cap. Ooh – that’s a head-on-head for Russell and Graham, so they’re both going to have to go off.”

Paterson concluded: “Without any shadow of a doubt. No doubt about that at all.”

Russell soon rose to his feet and walked to the side of the pitch. It became clear that he had passed the medical checks and would be able to continue.

However, Graham remained in clear discomfort with at least four medics working around him. Cotter said: “The instant reaction having seen both players go down is that Darcy Graham seemed to be in a bit more bother than Finn Russell.

“Finn Russell has to have that HIA, no exception, no matter how exceptional a player might be. An absolutely objective test of how things are – and it looks like he’s passed his and looks as if he might come back on. But Darcy Graham, obviously that looks a bit more serious.”

Russell did not pass his HIA and was subsequently taken off.

Graham was eventually withdrawn on a stretcher after around four minutes of treatment. His neck and head appeared to be strapped into a brace.