Brain-injury players launch legal action

RUGBY chiefs will today be hit by a lawsuit taken on behalf of nearly 200 players with brain damage.

Rylands Legal issued proceedings on behalf of professional and semi-pro players against World Rugby, the Rugby Football Union and Welsh Rugby Union.

Claimants include 2003 World Cup winner Steve Thompson and former Wales captain Ryan Jones, who have been diagnosed with early onset dementia and probable chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE).

The threat of this claim has hung over rugby since December 2020 when Thompson first revealed his diagnosis.

Claimants contend the authorities named were negligent in failing to take reasonable action to protect them from repetitive concussive and sub-concussive blows. A spokesman said: “This isn’t just about financial compensation, it’s also about making the game safer.”