Concussion research must be top priority, says Sinfield

KEVIN SINFIELD called for rugby league to prioritise research into long-term effects of concussion amid growing concern about a looming crisis in the sport. Sportsmail revealed that the law firm suing rugby union’s governing bodies on behalf of brain-damaged former players have also signed up several ex-rugby league stars to take action against the 13-a-side code next year. It is understood that 10 former players — all of whom are currently undergoing medical testing — are ready to sue over dementia. Leeds Rhinos director of rugby Sinfield (below) has an interest in the issue having seen his former team-mate Rob Burrow suffer from motor neurone disease, the neurological condition which Burrow’s family fear was caused by the sport. And Sinfield, who announced the winners at Sunday night’s BBC Sports Personality of the Year ceremony, said: ‘It is really important that the whole area is researched properly and we get some answers. It is really sad to see the news about Steve Thompson and Alix Popham (two of the ex-union players diagnosed with early onset dementia and involved in the legal case). ‘As a player, you understand some of the risks to your body. But we need to research it and get the answers to make the necessary adjustments if any are needed.’ Sinfield raised over £2.6million for his friend Burrow and the MND Association by running seven marathons in seven days earlier this month — a large part of which will go towards research. And the Rhinos legend is planning another MND charity challenge in 2021. He said: ‘I’ll certainly run some marathons next year for the MND Association, but we will look to do something where hopefully, Covid permitting, we can have a few more people involved and make it a really big fundraiser and awareness generator.’