Due to World Rugby’s return to play protocols following concussion injuries, most players are not permitted to return to playing for at least 12 days.
The guidelines, which were first implemented in July 2022, state that players who show signs of concussion are likely to miss their team’s next match.
All cases are dealt with on an individual basis.
When players are not showing concussion symptoms 36 hours after suffering the injury, they are permitted to return to play seven days after the incident.
Players showing concussion symptoms have to spend a minimum of 12 days on the sidelines, but the lengths of absence can also be longer.
Factors such as symptoms shown, a players’ history of concussions and their speed of recovery from any previous concussions are all taken into account as part of a player’s graduated return to play.
England full-back Ellie Kildunne will miss a minimum of 12 days due to showing concussion symptoms – ruling her out of England’s World Cup quarter-final.
She will need to pass all return to play provisions without further setbacks in order to play in England’s World Cup semi-final, should the Red Roses get there.
This article is the latest from BBC Sport’s Ask Me Anything team.
