The spectre of concussion has reared its ugly head once more for Chiefs back Charlie Ngatai, just as he returns from a year out of the game following such an injury back in 2016.
Having only returned to action two weeks ago for the Chiefs’ 46-17 demolition of the Reds in New Plymouth, things were finally appearing to be getting back on track for the highly rated 26-year-old.
Having been sidelined for twelve months due to headaches as a result of concussion, the one-cap All Black appeared to be about to resume his promising career and while the looming British and Irish Lions tour of New Zealand was likely too soon for Ngatai to work his way back into the national set-up, the World Cup in two years’ time is certainly well within reach.
Now, however, worrying times may have returned for the dynamic back as following training this week, the headaches have returned. According to RadioNZ, Ngatai has been ruled out of this weekend’s Super Rugby fixture with the Crusaders in Fiji.
According to Chiefs assistant coach Andrew Strawbridge, they are taking a precautionary approach.
“Charlie developed a headache after training and we’re not sure why, but we’re taking a precautionary approach.
“We want to look after him.”
Having been out of the game for so long in order to fully recover from the lingering symptoms of the concussive injury he sustained last year, this latest report casts Ngatai’s future back into doubt.
Earlier this season Hurricanes lock James Broadhurst called time on his career aged just 29 due to the ongoing effects of concussion.
These fans expressed their concerns for Ngatai following the news of his latest setback.
https://twitter.com/bullhale/status/864809449432666112
Wow, I really hope #allblack Charlie Ngatai's going to be ok. His health is far more important than his career. #concussion
— Grant Shimmin (@shimmo23) May 17, 2017
Feel for you #CharlieNgatai Look after yourself champ #BeenThereBefore
— Alando Soakai (@alandosoakai) May 17, 2017
Gary Brennan, Pundit Arena
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