New Zealand Rugby (NZR) have ruled Ireland prop Jeremy Loughman should not have been allowed back onto the field after suffering a head injury against the Māori All Blacks on Wednesday.
Loughman was visibly dazed after a collision one minute into the tour opener, and went off for an HIA (head injury assessment), but returned just 13 minutes later after passing.
However, under World Rugby's new guidelines, he shouldn't have been allowed to return to the pitch after showing obvious signs of a concussion.
NZR conducted a review into the incident and confirmed Loughman should have immediately been removed from the game.
"New Zealand Rugby has conducted a review of the HIA process during the Māori All Blacks match against Ireland at FMG Stadium Waikato in Hamilton on Wednesday 29 June," their statement said.
"As a result of this review NZR believes Ireland prop Jeremy Loughman should not have been allowed back onto the field during the first half.
"While NZR stands by the HIA processes in place and is satisfied that player welfare is the number one priority for medical staff at the match, we have identified a gap in communications, which meant critical video evidence was not fully accounted for as part of the Head Injury Assessment (HIA) process undertaken by the independent match day medical team.
"We will be reinforcing the full HIA process and protocols for the remainder of the Steinlager Series to ensure video evidence is communicated more accurately between independent match day medical staff to enable them to make the right call with regards to player safety."
Join Newshub for live updates of the All Blacks v Ireland from 7pm Saturday
