Concern for Paul Willemse: After yet another concussion, the future is uncertain for the second row
|Paul Willemse a subi un nouveau protocole commotion. Midi Libre – SYLVIE CAMBON
Sorti sur un protocole commotion à la 9e minute du match contre le Stade Français (défaite 29-20) ce samedi 5 octobre, le deuxième ligne Paul Willemse risque de rester un long moment à l’infirmerie.
Concern hovers around Paul Willemse. Stopped for three months in the spring after a fifth KO in a year, the MHR second row came off after only nine minutes of play against Stade Français (29-20) this Saturday. It was his first start in six months. The colossus (2.01m, 130kg) underwent a new concussion protocol on a shock that was, visually, quite harmless. “I just know that he did the protocol and I was told that he couldn't come back. It's a big loss for us,”, assured the manager, Joan Caudullo.
Paul Willemse a été suspendu 5 semaines pour ce plaquage dangereux lors du match MHR-Ulster.
Degré moyen de danger retenu (6 semaines), réduit d’1 semaine car le joueur a plaidé coupable.
Les dates précises de sa suspension seront données plus tard car le joueur est blessé. pic.twitter.com/g9YeGrQCSz
— Gauthier Baudin (@GauthierBaudin) April 11, 2024
A case to follow closely
The question turns to his future. In an interview with Midi Libre this week, Paul Willemse confided the following: “This year is pivotal for me. Either everything is going well, I play matches one after the other and it's the best. Or it's a second option, and I stop playing rugby in the event of another KO.”
This latest event therefore casts a chill over Paul Willemse's career and the MHR. The French international, 31 years old and 32 caps, was expected to make a big impact in the fragile Montpellier squad. Analyses will be done quickly. Decisions will follow. The case is to be followed closely.