Rugby bosses defend strategies of dealing with head injuries

Rugby bosses defend strategies of dealing with head injuries as they prepare for a multi-million pound lawsuit, with Ryan Jones and Steve Thompson among those looking for compensation

Three major governing bodies are facing a multi-million pound lawsuit
World Rugby, the Rugby Football Union and the Welsh Rugby Union targeted
Several former plyers claim head traumas caused neurological impairments
Former Wales captain Ryan Jones is among the group looking for compensation

Rugby bosses have defended their strategies around dealing with head injuries as the sport braces itself for a multi-million pound lawsuit.

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Rugby bosses defend strategies of dealing with head injuries as they prepare for a multi-million pound lawsuit, with Ryan Jones and Steve Thompson among those looking for compensation Share this article

Three major governing bodies — World Rugby, the Rugby Football Union and the Welsh Rugby Union — are facing a huge class action on behalf of 185 brain-damaged former players.

World Cup-winning England hooker Steve Thompson, former Wales captain Ryan Jones, Carl Hayman, Michael Lipman and Alix Popham are among the group being represented by Rylands Law.

Former Wales captain Ryan Jones is among a group of players looking for compensation

The Welsh Rugby Union are one of three governing bodies facing a huge class action

England World Cup winning hooker Steve Thompson is also among the former players involved

The governing bodies were still waiting for action to be served as of today, but they are braced for massive compensation claims for historical failings around the treatment of head injuries.

The players in their 30s, 40s and 50s are claiming that repeated head traumas have caused neurological impairments such as probable chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), early onset dementia, epilepsy, Parkinson’s disease and motor neurone disease.

In a joint statement, World Rugby, the RFU and WRU said: ‘We care deeply about all our players, including former players, and never stand still when it comes to welfare.

‘Our strategies to prevent, identify and manage head injuries are driven by a passion to safeguard our players and founded on the latest science, evidence and independent expert guidance.’