In news that is as bad as it is predictable, Pat Lambie seems to have suffered a fresh concussion setback just a few months into his contract with Racing Metro in Paris.
Lambie lasted just 5 minutes of his side’s match against fellow French team Oyonnax on 30 December last year; the flyhalf appeared to take a knee to the head when making a tackle and was helped groggily from the field a minute later after considerable on-field attention. No news has been forthcoming regarding the nature or severity of the injury, but Lambie has not played since the incident and given his history of head injuries, there’s simply no way this one can be seen as routine or not serious.
I was clear at the time that I thought Lambie was taking a reckless gamble with his long-term health in moving to France when he should rather have retired and focused on cricket (or something else entirely). I take no particular pleasure in re-iterating that call now.
Get well, Pat. Do the right thing. It’s time.

Not good….
agree. coaching role at the sharks for the young backs will do him well..
So sad to see one of the leading talents of a generation being so badly mismanaged and misguided.
It was clear to so many knowledgeable rugby people that that vicious hit he took from Stander in the Irish test was career ending.
His advisers and managers have been gambling with that kid’s life every time he has subsequently gone onto the field.Every hit is accumulative ,what are they waiting for before they call time up on his career.
His parents should override who ever is advising him to continue and call it, before he is permanently damaged
Pat is young enough, and marketable enough to continue his career off the field.take a leaf out of Bobby Skinstadt’s book there are so many opportunities for a charismatic guy like Pat.
Very tough but hopefully he chooses health over wealth. Just a pity as by all accunts he was playing well there.
@The hound (Comment 3) : agree Hound. And Happy New Year
I’m so sad to hear this news and I hope that Pat looks at retirement now. It would be a tragedy to see such a fantastic guy suffer some form of brain damage because he kept playing. I’m sure he can stay in the game by coaching in some capacity.
My brother was faced with the same thing as a 20 year-old after three serious concussions…I’ll say to Pat what I said to him: We love you, buddy. We’ll stand by you no matter what, but we want what’s best for you. So call it a day…and let’s have a beer together at King’s Park when we watch others play…
All the best, Pat!
One thing is certain. That’s where this guys heart lies. Not many with such a great love of the game.
sounds like he may have cracked a cheekbone. Nobody is saying anything re another concussion at this stage. If he does suffer another concussion now it’s an immediate 12 months out of the game
@robdylan (Comment 9) : If he cracked a cheekbone pretty sure he got his noggin rattled pretty badly.
@Dragnipur (Comment 10) : that’s the thing – but apparently he soldiers on and will be fit t play again in a week or two. Madness
@robdylan (Comment 11) : must say I’m feeling more than a bit concerned about his long term health! All these knocks to the head is really not good!
Berrick Barnes springs to mind and the absurd amount of concussions he picked up in his day. I vaguely remember something about him requesting the then IRB to alter the laws governing head gear to suit a special scrum cap he wanted to try out. Apparently it was going to offer more protection, but the IRB declined.
@robdylan (Comment 11) :
I think facial bones heals really fast. That is why they often have to re-brake your nose to set it straight.
I hope he gets well soon, Mr Lambie it’s time to come home and do your coaching badges or play some cricket if you still want to be involved in sports. alternatively just come and start a business and enjoy married life bro! nobody will think any less of you.
Sometimes you just have to love the French….
Toulon owner Mourad Boudjellal has defended Mathieu Bastareaud’s use of a homophobic slur against a Treviso player.
Boudjellal told rugbyrama.fr that he feared Boudjellal would face a lengthy ban due to the alleged double standards of the EPCR (European Professional Club Rugby).
‘Iβm worried,’ he said. ‘What I fear is the Mormon side of the EPCR with the Welsh and the Irish. These are people who sell morality when they do not have it. The same people who have ministers who are whipped in private but considered “clean” guys in public.”
He got a 3 week ban and has been dropped from the French squad.
I dont think Boudjellal observation helped the case but it made me laugh at least.
Watched that happen and it sickened me.
Patrick – come home man.
@Salmonoid the Subtle (Comment 16) : he’s a peach that guy π
@robdylan (Comment 18) : Hopefully some broadcaster with a bit of sense will get Boudjellal and PDivvy to do commentary together during the world cup.
@Salmonoid the Subtle (Comment 16) :
. These are people who sell morality when they do not have it. The same people who have ministers who are whipped in private but considered βcleanβ guys in public.β
What is the guy trying say here?
“Pat Lambie sustained an eye socket injury while in action for Racing 92, but the French club has confirmed that it is not another concussion. ”
http://www.sarugbymag.co.za/blog/details/lambie-suffers-eye-injury
@Baylion (Comment 21) : ja ja…. π