**Wales Rugby International Ben Carter Returns Home Following Serious Head Injury**
Wales rugby union’s summer tour of Japan has taken a painful turn, with promising lock Ben Carter being sent home after a distressing head injury during the opening minutes of Saturday’s Test in Kitakyushu. The Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) officially confirmed the news, with Carter’s departure acting as a sombre footnote to a challenging weekend for the touring squad.
The incident occurred almost immediately after kickoff. Less than half a minute had passed before Carter, representing both Wales and the Dragons at club level, suffered a significant blow to the head in a collision. Play was quickly halted as medical staff rushed to attend to the stricken forward, with visible concern rippling across the pitch and stands alike.
Due to the apparent severity of the injury, Carter was carefully immobilised with a neck brace by the on-field medical team. After a lengthy five-minute pause while precautionary measures were taken, he was carried from the field on a stretcher. The atmosphere in the stadium and among viewers at home was noticeably tense, with many fearing the worst for the young international’s welfare.
Early commentary from the match highlighted these concerns. BBC’s Gareth Rees Owen, reporting live from the ground, stated: “If you are just joining us, worrying signs for Ben Carter, bang to the head in the first minute, he will not return to the field of play, that’s a given.” The tone of his remarks underscored the gravity of the situation facing Carter and the Welsh side.
During the half-time break, Elliot Dee, Carter’s teammate, attempted to reassure supporters, explaining to the BBC: “Obviously, not great to see Carts going down so early on. I saw his dad in the crowd and he was obviously pretty worried. But good news, a couple of the boys have had communications with him… he’s up and around, so all good there.” It was a message intended to steady nerves and signal that Carter’s initial recovery was at least progressing well.
A formal statement from the WRU, issued later, confirmed Carter’s withdrawal from the rest of the tour, with explicit mention of concussion as the reason for his release. The union added that Carter would be flying back to Wales on Wednesday to continue his recovery under closer medical supervision.
As a follow-up, the WRU indicated that 32 players now remain in the Wales squad as preparations continue for the second Test, taking place in Kobe. The team will be eager to turn the page after their unexpected loss to Japan in the opening match, which extended a difficult run of 18 consecutive defeats at Test level—a statistic that weighs heavily on both players and staff.
Speaking after the match, interim head coach Matt Sherratt reflected on the setback: “You could see the feelings not just from the squad but the whole staff as well,” he said. “They are a very passionate group. We had a lead going into the first half so to lose the game at the end is very disappointing.” He added that the team must quickly harness the pain of defeat as motivation for next week’s Test, suggesting that the extended tour at least offers a vital opportunity for rapid improvement and redemption.
In the world of professional sport, injuries such as Carter’s serve as a stark reminder of the risks faced by athletes. With the WRU’s swift action and clear communication, the player’s welfare remains the primary focus, even as competitive pressures mount. Cardiff and Wales fans alike will be anxiously awaiting further updates on Carter’s condition and recovery.
As the squad look ahead to the upcoming fixture in Kobe, the hope will be not only for a turnaround in sporting fortunes, but for the continued wellbeing of a valued teammate now returning home to recover. The rugby community across Wales and beyond will no doubt be sending their best wishes to Ben Carter for a smooth and swift convalescence, while the team seeks to honour his commitment on the field in his absence.