Racing 92 facing investigation after Johan Goosen played on having been knocked out

Racing 92 and Springbok player Johan Goosen. Photo Getty Images / Getty Images

European Champions Cup finalists Racing 92 are being investigated for an incident in their semi-final win over Leicester which saw centre Johan Goosen play on after appearing to have been knocked unconscious.

The South Africa centre looked to be out cold after making a tackle 62 minutes into last Sunday's game but was allowed to carry on by Racing medics after coming round and insisting he was fit to play.

He was eventually sent for a Head Injury Assessment after fourth official Simon McDowell alerted referee Nigel Owens by saying Goosen 'looked out'. The Springbok returned to the field four minutes later and kicked a decisive long-range penalty.

Rugby union has introduced strict head injury protocols in a bid to avert a concussion crisis like the one that has engulfed the NFL, and European Professional Club Rugby officials confirmed this week they are investigating the circumstances surrounding Goosen's HIA.

An EPCR statement read: 'EPCR takes matters of this nature very seriously and is reviewing the HIA protocol which cleared Racing 92's Johann Goosen to return.'

Racing head coach Laurent Labit insisted after his side's win, which set up a final against Saracens in Lyon on May 14, that Goosen had suffered nothing more than a 'knock to his neck' but EPCR officials have the power to sanction clubs for clear breaches.

'Goosen had a knock but it was more to his neck than his head,' said Labit. 'It was not concussion even though the referee insisted on the concussion protocol being carried out. He came back on to the pitch straight away. He is a very important player for us and I was very happy. I was not worried about him coming back.'