World Rugby Regulation 15 - International Matches (HIA Protocol Approved)

(b)

the medical practitioner appointed under Law 3, is to be the nominated Match doctor of the visited Union in attendance at the Match. He should be seated as near as practicable to the Players’ entrance from the field-of-play.

(c)

If a Player sustains a bleeding or open wound (“blood injury”) the Player must leave the playing area. The Match doctor shall determine whether a player has a blood injury that requires the Player to leave the field for treatment. If so the Player shall remain off the field until such time as the bleeding has been controlled, the wound covered or dressed and in the opinion of the Match doctor the Player is able to resume playing provided it is within the time period prescribed within Law 3. For the avoidance of doubt a player that has left the playing area with a blood injury shall not be entitled to resume playing if he does not return to the playing area within the time prescribed in Law 3.

(d)

If the nominated Match doctor gives his opinion that a Player should not continue playing on account of his injury, (whether such injury is a blood injury or otherwise) that Player shall not be allowed to resume playing. The opinion of the nominated Match doctor shall be conveyed to the Player’s Union or its representative and it is then for that Union to decide whether or not a replacement shall be introduced.