‘Delay is no longer an option,’ said Progressive Rugby, a pressure group which has claimed the reputation of the sport is being ‘damaged beyond repair’
A joint statement issued by the three governing bodies insisted on their commitment to player welfare.
“While not involved in the litigation, we are deeply saddened to see the large number of players taking legal action as a result of neurological issues they believe are related to their time playing the game,” the organisation said. The complaints that form the basis of the class action, which is led by the law firm Rylands, include a central allegation that World Rugby, the RFU and WRFU failed properly to educate and protect players from health risks when the sport turned professional in 1995. Further complaints are related to a failure subsequently to mitigate risk, including the contentious “stand down” period for players who have suffered apparent concussion and an alleged lack of MRI scans.
The former Pontypool, Ebbw Vale and Pontypridd wing Lenny Woodard, who also represented Wales at rugby league, received a diagnosis of early onset dementia last year. The 46-year-old said he had received five to 10 serious head injuries during his career and many more “subconcussions”, but had always put pressure on himself to stay on the pitch.
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