We need more consistency from refs says Hopley
THE WAY players train needs to be addressed very quickly, says the head of the Rugby Players Association, after ex-professionals said the sport has given them permanent brain damage.
“It’s been very distressing for everyone,” said Damian Hopley.
Hopley, the RPA’s chief executive, told BBC Sport more education was needed, in addition to greater refereeing consistency, a high tackle sanction framework and a reduction of contact training.
“A big percentage of injuries occur during training so I think that has to be part of the opportunity to address these things and look at what can we do to make the game safer, as has been talked about,” he said.
“Perhaps training protocols is something we need to address very quickly.”
All eight players to have come forward so far have been diagnosed by neurologists at King’s College London with early onset dementia and probable chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE).
CTE can develop when the brain is subjected to numerous small blows or rapid movements – sometimes known as sub-concussions – and is associated with symptoms such as memory loss, depression and progressive dementia.
World Rugby said: “We take player safety very seriously and implements injury-prevention strategies based on the latest available knowledge, research and evidence.”