After multiple dementia diagnosis, former rugby players to sue governing bodies

The call for increased safety measures across sport has been gaining steam over the past few years. But now there’s a group of former ruggers set to take legal action against World Rugby, Rugby Football Union (governing body in England) and the Welsh Rugby Union for negligence in promoting safety.

The BBC reported that a group of eight former players, including England’s 2003 World Cup winner Steve Thompson and former Welsh flanker Alix Popham, are suing the unions. There are, however, reports that around 70 former players from around the world, including former All Black Carl Hayman (according to The New Zealand Herald), that will file a lawsuit.

Irreparable head injuries

The early onset of dementia has been the most telling consequence of a career in the sport for former players. Thompson, now 42, who played in each of England’s matches at the victorious 2003 World Cup campaign, claims he cannot remember those games.

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