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Anthony Watson Admits Cheating Head Injury Assessment in 2017

3/3/2026

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Summary

Story summary

British and Irish Lions wing Anthony Watson admitted he cheated on a head-injury assessment during 2017 series in New Zealand.
After a high tackle by Sonny Bill Williams, Watson felt hazy and recalled five words to pass assessment.
Watson said, "I love the medical staff at Lions, and they had no idea I was doing this."
Remarks appeared in a BBC documentary titled Ben Youngs Investigates: How Safe Is Rugby?

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Story summary

British and Irish Lions wing Anthony Watson admitted he cheated on a head-injury assessment during 2017 series in New Zealand.
After a high tackle by Sonny Bill Williams, Watson felt hazy and recalled five words to pass assessment.
Watson said, "I love the medical staff at Lions, and they had no idea I was doing this."
Remarks appeared in a BBC documentary titled Ben Youngs Investigates: How Safe Is Rugby?