\u201cThere was no incident, he was feeling good well in advance of Tuesday, fit and ready to play. No incident through the game at all, nothing yesterday and nothing this morning at all.<\/p>\n
\u201cBut with these things, players are getting very good at telling the truth of how they feel. So it was a no-brainer to make the change straight away.\u201d<\/p>\n
Lions captain Maro Itoje called Ringrose\u2019s actions \u201cselfless\u201d, with Farrell adding: \u201cIt was very big of him and the right thing to do, 100 per cent. For the team as well, not just for Garry.\u201d<\/p>\n
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Ringrose plies his trade for United Rugby Championship club Leinster (Charles McQuillan\/Getty Images)<\/p>\n
Headway, the brain injury charity, described Ringrose\u2019s decision as \u201cmomentous for sport\u201d.<\/p>\n
\u201cBy flagging the ongoing effects of his brain injury, he has put the team first by stepping aside \u2014 allowing a fully-fit team-mate to take his place in one of the most high-stakes matches of the tour,\u201d the charity said in a statement on Thursday.<\/p>\n
\u201cBy recognising the risks of playing while concussed, Ringrose has rightly prioritised his own health. In doing so, he is also setting an incredible example to other sportspeople at all levels.<\/p>\n
\u201cHis act shows how far sport has come in understanding the short- and long-term implications of not treating concussion \u2014 or brain injury \u2014 with respect.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt also highlights how difficult it is for medics to accurately assess players for the concussion \u2014 both in the immediate aftermath of a collision, and then the lingering effects, which can last for months.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt takes players to be open and honest, admitting when they do not feel right. It takes incredible bravery, but it\u2019s a decision that could make such a difference to his long-term health.\u201d<\/p>\n
Luke Griggs, chief executive of Headway, added: \u201cGarry\u2019s decision is incredibly brave. It\u2019s also selfless and potentially transformative in the way sportspeople at all levels consider brain injury.<\/p>\n
\u201cIn doing so, not only has he protected himself from a potentially much more serious brain injury, but he\u2019s also set an incredible example for others.<\/p>\n
\u201cLooking after yourself and looking after your team are not mutually exclusive. No concussed player will be an effective team-mate, and no game is more important than your long-term health.\u201d<\/p>\n