World Rugby is reportedly poised to announce a major change to its concussion laws by extending the compulsory stand-down period for affected players to 12 days.
Under current rules, a professional player who fails their Head Injury Assessment (HIA) is allowed to retake the field - if they pass a series of return-to-play protocols - as soon as five days later.
According to The Guardian, the amended law will extend that period by five days.
The new rule will be effective from July 2 - the same day as the All Blacks' first test against Ireland at Auckland's Eden Park.
The change comes on the back pressure from player welfare groups, after several high profile players revealed their ongoing struggles with health issues caused by concussion suffered during their playing careers.
Last year, former All Black prop Carl Hayman joined in legal action against World Rugby, after being diagnosed with early onset dementia.
Hayman and his fellow claimants - including England Steve Thompson - say World Rugby and England's Rugby Football Union failed to protect them from the risks of concussions and sub-concussions, forcing them to take the field, when they were unfit to do so.
The laws will provide some leeway for players with no history of concussion and exhibit no on-field symptoms, who could return in seven days if they pass the requisite tests.
