ADVERTISEMENT
RugbyDump
REGISTER
LOGIN
ADVERTISEMENT
RugbyDump
Tuesday Jul 26, 2022

Rugby players diagnosed with dementia set to take governing bodies to court

In recent years, a worrying number of ex professional rugby players have been diagnosed with early onset dementia. It has sparked conversations about the safety of the game and it now looks likely that legal action will be taken.

In the last month, the rugby community was left with the devastating news that ex Wasps and Wales captain Ryan Jones had been diagnosed with dementia. The latest in a long line of cases which includes 2003 World Cup winner Steve Thompson, who has since spoken very openly on his battle with the illness.

ADVERTISEMENT

Players have already voiced their concerns on the link between rugby and dementia with a pre – action letter of claim being issued in 2020 to governing bodies on behalf of 9 ex-professionals. At the time no agreement between the two sides could be made.

However, in the past 24 hours the legal proceedings have stepped up a gear.

Rylands Law are issuing proceedings on behalf of a group of professional and semi-professional players against three different governing bodies – World Rugby, The Rugby Football Union and Welsh Rugby.

The group of players believe the sport’s governing bodies have neglected their duty of care and have failed to take reasonable action to protect players from consistent head blows – which they say could ultimately lead to dementia.

With the issue of the proceedings now imminent, the court will take over control of the case and set up the formal pathway to a trail.

ADVERTISEMENT

To get an understanding of the scale of the case, Rylands has confirmed that it is the biggest ‘class action’ lawsuit in history outside of the United States.

A Rylands statement said “This claim isn’t just about financial compensation; it is also about making the game safer and ensuring current and former players get tested so that if they are suffering a brain injury they can get the clinical help they need.”

“The players we represent love the game. We aim to challenge the current perceptions of the governing bodies, to reach a point where they accept the connection between repetitive blows to the head and permanent neurological injury and to take steps to protect players and support those who are injured.”

ADVERTISEMENT

In response to the issue of proceedings, the three governing bodies shared a group statement.

“We care deeply about all our players, including former players and never stand still when it comes to welfare.

“Our strategies to prevent, identify and manage head injuries are driven by a passion to safeguard our players and founded on the latest science, evidence and independent expert guidance.”

Whatever happens next is up to the courts however it is clear that many players within the game now think there must be practical measures in places to try and prevent more dementia cases in the sport.

Comments




Related Articles

  • 70 WEEKS AGO

    Ellis Genge puts on his boxing gloves ready...

  • 70 WEEKS AGO

    Crazy scenes as player deliberately kicks...

  • 70 WEEKS AGO

    RFU make decision on transgender players...



ADVERTISEMENT

Great Tries

  • 5 WEEKS AGO

    Seriously impressive Courtney Lawes compilation released after England player calls time on international career

  • 7 WEEKS AGO

    Fiji number eight Viliame 'Bill' Mata scores audacious try

  • 8 WEEKS AGO

    Wild scenes in Toulouse as Portugal seal last gasp comeback win over Fiji

  • 13 WEEKS AGO

    South African schoolboy produces the greatest goosey in the sport

  • 14 WEEKS AGO

    Incredible team try showcases thrills of the grassroots game

View All

Big Hits & Dirty Play

  • 1 WEEK AGO

    Streaker causes major bust up as he tackles player

  • 2 WEEKS AGO

    Monster hit from Perrin leaves Bristol Bears player stunned

  • 3 WEEKS AGO

    Posolo Tuilagi's massive tackle lights up Top 14

  • 5 WEEKS AGO

    Theo Dan in the centre of 'punch' storm as possible infringement missed

  • 5 WEEKS AGO

    Seriously impressive Courtney Lawes compilation released after England player calls time on international career

View All

See It To Believe It

  • 1 WEEK AGO

    Compilation video shows Jamie George's surprising box of tricks

  • 7 WEEKS AGO

    Eddie Jones reported to have negotiated return to Japan national side

  • 8 WEEKS AGO

    Rees Zammit hits Olympic level as 100m sprint time is officially finally released

  • 9 WEEKS AGO

    Shocking record set to be broken at this year’s World Cup

  • 14 WEEKS AGO

    Incredible team try showcases thrills of the grassroots game

View All

Funnies

  • 1 WEEK AGO

    Streaker causes major bust up as he tackles player

  • 5 WEEKS AGO

    Luke Cowan-Dickie left red faced after losing very costly bet

  • 6 WEEKS AGO

    Mack Hansen proves once again that he is a hero in Ireland

  • 6 WEEKS AGO

    Irish players brilliantly take the p*** out of Sexton on plane intercom

  • 7 WEEKS AGO

    Brilliant video of Andy Farrell readying the Irish troops for battle

View All

Amateur

  • 46 WEEKS AGO

    You Won’t See Many Better Than This Silky-Smooth Try From Llandovery RFC

  • 47 WEEKS AGO

    Incredible Scenes As Caldy RFC Hand Ealing First Championship Defeat Of The Season

  • 70 WEEKS AGO

    Dubious Score Decides Result Of Rugby's Biggest Schools Fixture

  • 70 WEEKS AGO

    Incredible Scenes At School Boys Rugby Match

  • 70 WEEKS AGO

    The Next Dominant Backrow?

View All

Player Features

  • 20 HOURS AGO

    James Haskell shares thoughts on 'best mate' Owen Farrell

  • 1 DAY AGO

    The key change Steve Borthwick has made to England squad selection

  • 2 DAYS AGO

    Siya Kolisi opens up about stabbing incident in powerful interview with Dan Biggar

  • 2 DAYS AGO

    BREAKING: Owen Farrell to step away from England duties entirely

  • 3 DAYS AGO

    Community mourning loss of 29-year-old rugby player Melita Williams

View All