Chiefs give positive update on Wallace Sititi after sickening head knock

The Chiefs have delivered a positive early prognosis on injured loose forward Wallace Sititi, following his sickening head knock suffered against the Reds.

A groggy Sititi was escorted from the field and taken to hospital early in the Chiefs' 46-24 victory in Hamilton, after copping successive blows to the head in one incident.

Sititi was hit in a high tackle from Lukhan Salakaia-Loto - resulting in a yellow card for the Reds lock - before clashing heads with teammate Sione Ahio.

The 23-year-old's body shook involuntarily on the ground, something Chiefs captain Luke Jacobson later told journalists was among the "scariest" things he'd seen on a rugby field.

A Chiefs social media post on Sunday featured a photo of a smiling Sititi giving the thumbs up from his bed at Waikato Hospital, before he was released to return home.

"Hey Chiefs fam! Thanks for all your care and love for our guy Wally," the Instagram post said.

"He wanted to let you all know he is at home and feeling good, as well as sending his thanks to everyone for their love and support.

"Scans at Waikato Hospital did not reveal any issues and he will be assessed and cared for through the concussion protocols."

There was considerable concern in the immediate aftermath of the match, with coach Jono Gibbes telling journalists it had detracted from a win which sent them through to next week's home semi-final against the Crusaders.

"The pride, the grit we showed and obviously the enjoyment of getting a result, it's tinged," Gibbes told reporters after the game.

"It's never nice to see one of our brothers in a situation like that but Wally's where he needs to be now, with people that can help him. There's a big part of us that are actually thinking about him right now."

Gibbes leapt to the defence of medical staff, who had been unable to stop Sititi from abruptly standing up during his onfield treatment.

"They were dealing with a player in distress. It wasn't a case of being able to strictly follow A, B and C," Gibbes said.

Concussion protocols mean Sititi, who has been in dynamic form for the Chiefs, won't play in next week's semi - a rematch of last year's grand finalists.

His return date to rugby is not clear.

World Rugby's 2024 breakthrough player of the year, he was probably in the sights of incoming All Blacks coach Dave Rennie, who names his Nations Championship squad in two weeks.

Their opening test is against France on 4 July.

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