Lobby group Progressive Rugby has branded Ugo Monye's comments that it is "impossible" to return from a concussion too quickly as "unacceptable".
Monye was speaking on BT Sport's Rugby Tonight about how to make the sport safer and avoid head collisions in general, saying: "I think we're good at recognising concussion. I think it's important to state that mistakes will be made, absolutely. You've got people on the pitch and people sat in the stands who are watching it on replay.
"In terms of returning too quickly, that's impossible. There is a clear framework and guideline which is used. You can't even start until you're cleared of a headache and then it's a graduated return to play."
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While Monye was clearly making the point that he felt it was impossible to return too quickly if the framework is followed, Progressive Rugby - a lobby group formed to ask for more to be done to protect the well-being of players - say the framework is not fit for purpose in the first instance.
The group cites the Six Nations investigation which last week found that Wales prop Tomas Francis should have been "immediately and permanently removed from play" during February's Six Nations clash with England after a head collision. Read the findings of the investigation here.
Francis went on to play in Wales' next match against France, despite protestations from the group Wayne Pivac was making "a grave error".
They said on Twitter: "Ugo Monye stating as fact that it’s 'impossible' to return to play from a brain injury too quickly in the elite game, just days after an enquiry conceded Tomas Francis was allowed to return to the pitch... during England v Wales. Sorry Ugo, that’s unacceptable."
They added: "It’s a remarkable statement when we know from World Rugby’s own figures that around 30% of players return from concussion within 10 days, which is still less than what World Rugby’s own brain health advisor Prof Willie Stewart believes is required to properly recover."
The lobby group was formed last year to ask for more to be done to protect the well-being of players from excessive workloads, brain trauma and the consequences that come from repeated concussive and sub-concussive injuries.
Progressive Rugby is led by former Canadian international Jamie Cudmore, ex-England back-rower James Haskell, former Wales flanker Alix Popham and senior medical figures from the game. The likes of Wales player Josh Navidi and former star Jonathan Davies are also signed up members.
