Released on a concussion protocol in the 9th minute of the match against Stade Français (29-20 defeat) this Saturday, October 5, second row Paul Willemse risks staying in the infirmary for a long time.
Concern hovers around Paul Willemse. Arrested three months in the spring after a fifth KO in a year, the second line of the MHR came out after only nine minutes of play against Stade Français (29-20) this Saturday. It was his first start in six months. The colossus (2.01 m, 130 kg) underwent a new concussion protocol following an impact, visually, quite innocuous. “I just know that he did the protocol and I was told that he couldn’t come back. It’s a big loss for us”assured the manager, Joan Caudullo.
Paul Willemse was suspended for 5 weeks for this dangerous tackle during the MHR-Ulster match.
Average degree of danger retained (6 weeks), reduced by 1 week because the player pleaded guilty.
The precise dates of his suspension will be given later because the player is injured. pic.twitter.com/g9YeGrQCSz
— Gauthier Baudin (@GauthierBaudin) https://twitter.com/GauthierBaudin/status/1778350502167593289?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
A case to follow closely
The question turns to its future. In an interview with Midi Libre this week, Paul Willemse confided this: “This year is pivotal for me. Either everything goes well, I play a series of matches and it’s great. Or it’s a second option, and I stop playing rugby in the event of another knockout.”
This latest event therefore casts a chill on the career of Paul Willemse and on the MHR. The French international, 31 years old and 32 caps, was expected at the turning point in the fragile Montpellier squad. Analyzes will be carried out quickly. Decisions will follow. The case must be followed closely.
