ACT Brumbies flanker Chris Alcock says players must be honest about their battles with concussion symptoms, praising rugby officials for leading the way in dealing with head injuries.
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There is ongoing debate about head injuries in sport with NSW Waratahs star Bernard Foley struggling to fully recover from concussion while three NRL clubs were fined $350,000 for breaching guidelines.
The ARU has introduced a 'blue card' in Canberra's club rugby competition, with players who are suspected to suffer from concussion to be sent from the field and not allowed to play again for a minimum of 12 days.
Alcock ruled himself out of the Brumbies' clash against the Waratahs three weeks ago, telling coaches something wasn't quite right after suffering a head knock against the Durban Sharks.
It was the first time in Alcock's eight-year professional career that he had been concussed during a game.
But the symptoms passed and the journeyman No. 7 is readying himself for a battle against Queensland Reds flanker and Brumbies champion George Smith on April 8.
"I don't know what it was like, it was just that it didn't feel like I was 100 per cent right when I was going to bed or starting to run," Alcock said.
"When I was younger, I probably would have ignored it and played on. But the more awareness there is about head injuries, the more you realise you have to be on the safer side.
"I didn't have major headaches. It was just not being 100 per cent and when it's your head, I don't think you risk that at all.
"There's so much awareness now, they're cracking down on it and they're putting players' health first."
Foley missed the first four games of the season for the Waratahs before making his playing comeback last weekend.
However, is in doubt for the Waratahs' massive clash against the Canterbury Crusaders in Sydney on Saturday night after the symptoms returned.
"That shows the health of the player is more important," Alcock said.
"Over the years it's been easier and easier for guys to sit out because of concussions. For guys in the past, like Berrick Barnes, it's been harder in the past.
"The player just needs to be honest because coaches won't play you if you're not right."
The Brumbies have been given a five-day break from Super Rugby duties to refresh and rejuvenate before playing against the Reds at Canberra Stadium next weekend.
The Brumbies have won a record nine Australian derbies in a row, but the Reds are set to arrive in the capital with two ACT rugby champions in Smith and Stephen Moore.
Alcock has stepped up for the Brumbies this year to fill the void left by Wallabies star David Pocock, who has taken a 12-month sabbatical from Australian rugby.
The Brumbies have been blessed with a long line of star No. 7s, including inaugural skipper Brett Robinson, Smith, Michael Hooper and Pocock.
Alcock is yet to play against Smith, who he idolised as a junior, despite making his debut for the Waratahs in 2010 and spending four seasons at the Western Force.
"I loved watching George when I was younger, but I've never had the chance to play against him," Alcock said.
"It's going to be quite a privilege to play against him. I just want to go out there and make sure whoever wears the Brumbies' No. 7 jersey always plays with pride."
