Other ex-rugby stars ‘on suicide watch’, claims Popham’s lawyer
ANUMBER of former rugby players in Wales and England who believe they are suffering from long-term effects of brain injuries have been placed “on suicide watch”, according to the lawyer representing them.
The number, described as “worrying” by lawyer Richard Boardman, is understood to be in double figures.
Boardman has been leading the case representing former nine former rugby players, including Wales flanker Alix Popham, Dragons centre Adam Hughes and England hooker Steve Thompson, that is taking action against World Rugby, the RFU and the WRU for alleged negligence.
Each of the nine players involved are under the age of 45 and have been been diagnosed with – or assessed to be on the trajectory towards diagnosis of – traumatic brain injury, early onset dementia and probable CTE.
There are also around 150 more players who are showing symptoms and are interested in joining the action.
As first reported by the Times, it is a number of this group of players whose mental health is so poor they have been put on suicide watch.
The original nine players are still pursuing their legal action with Boardman confirming to the Western Mail that the two sides are still in the pre-action phase.
“Everyone is at the pre-action phase,” said Boardman. “We can’t go into individual cases but there’s a worrying number who are in a very bad way and need urgent clinical support.”
Boardman also confirmed that there are currently dozens of former players in a bad way with considerable symptoms.
While there are no specifics on exactly how many players are suffering severe mental health issues, that number is understood to not be in the dozens.
Further legal cases are expected to follow with the next group of players.
The Times report that those 150odd players have been unable to move their cases on due to the coronavirus pandemic, but they are now reportedly ready to move onto the next stage which would see them undergo brain scans and psychological assessments during the summer.
That would see them tested for early-onset dementia and motor neurone disease at the most severe end of the scale, to short-term postconcussion syndrome at the milder end.
Boardman told the Times: “We firmly believe that we have 50 of them with dementia. These are all retired players who are under 50 years old.”
He added that the psychological assessment of a former international prop was described by an expert neurologist as “a shocking profile” that is only usually seen in “severe traumatic brain injury cases”.
This latest harrowing development comes on the same day that World Rugby, The RFU, WRU, International Rugby Players and the newly-formed Progressive Rugby confirmed they had met to discuss the sport’s commitment to player welfare.
In a joint statement, they said: “Following a virtual meeting yesterday, World Rugby, The RFU, WRU, International Rugby Players and Progressive Rugby are encouraged by constructive and positive initial dialogue regarding the sport’s commitment to player welfare advancement at all levels.
“All parties care deeply about rugby and its playing community and want the sport to be all it can be for everyone and, while recognising that there are naturally some differing views on how to achieve that goal, we are encouraged that there is much common ground in terms of current and future focus areas.
“One of rugby’s strengths is that it is a diverse and inclusive global family of people who are unwavering in their passion for the sport and the welfare of its present, future and past players, whether they be administrators, players, coaches, fans and medics.
“This meeting has established a line of dialogue, but just as importantly, an understanding of a common goal: the continued advancement of player welfare in rugby at all levels of the game. We look forward to continuing the conversation to deliver on this shared goal.”
Progressive Rugby is led by former Canadian international Jamie Cudmore, ex-England back-rower James Haskell, Popham and senior medical figures from the game.
They have proposed a number of suggestions to the sport’s governing body – including a limit on contact and workload in training, only allowing substitutions for injuries and regular check-ups for players.
An increase in the minimum number of days before a player can return to action following a brain injury is also being asked for.
The new group comprises of current and former players, coaches, club representatives, referees, medics, sponsors, politicians and teachers at rugby-playing schools.