Players need more help... alcoholism and depression are dark side of retiring
SAYS PETRUS DU PLESSIS
SARACENS legend Petrus Du Plessis says former team-mates have become “alcoholic, depressed and suicidal” since retiring, amid growing fears over the impact of concussions.
A law firm last month filed a letter of claim to World Rugby, the RFU and the Welsh Rugby Union on behalf of England World Cup winner Steve Thompson
Thompson, 42, and several other players have been diagnosed with early-onset dementia and probable chronic traumatic encephalopathy – a degenerative brain disease linked to repeated blows to the head.
Among them is former Wales Under-20 international Adam Hughes, who is only 30.
A number of former rugby league players are also currently being tested, with a view to a lawsuit against the 13-a-side code’s authorities.
Du Plessis (above), who won three Premiership titles and two Heineken Cups with Sarries, retired last year and recently took up a new role as Australia’s scrum coach.
He said: “I have former team-mates who have retired and are now forgetful, short-tempered, alcoholic, depressed and suicidal, which is scary.
“Today’s players are in a bubble and don’t see what happens when you retire. But I know so many guys from my career who have struggled.
“And within my circle we ask, ‘Is that because of too many head knocks?’.
“Or is it down to players retiring through injury and having much of their fame and fortune taken away from them?
“I definitely feel that concussions suffered on a rugby field could have played a part in them being in such a bad way.
“I believe it could be a massive problem for future generations.”
Despite the combative nature of playing in the front row, Du Plessis says he was never formally diagnosed with a concussion during his playing career.
The 39-year-old believes concussion protocols have improved greatly in recent years and says the scrum is safer than ever.
The South African added: “Scrums don’t cause nearly as many concussions as tackling and ball-carrying.
“Look back at what it was like in 2008 until around 2014 – that was the most dangerous that scrums have ever been as you were quite far from each other and then on ‘Engage!’ you’d dive in.
“With the newer laws you crouch, bind and then set – so it’s a small engagement and therefore a lot safer.”
Du Plessis believes more research is needed into the effects of head knocks and says that neck strengthening, an area he specialises in, can help reduce the impact of concussions.
He said: “As a scrum coach I make sure all the forwards have neck strengthening as part of their core training.
“But concussions are also a hazard in sports such as football, hockey, basketball, horse riding, cricket and cycling. Is any sport truly hazard free?”