EXCLUSIVE: Rugby Players’ Association survey reveals that nearly HALF of 180 former players believe they have a long-term brain problem… and most would like expert help coping with the effects of a concussion
- England star Tom Curry insists he has ‘complete confidence’ in concussion protocols
- He dropped out of the final two tests against Australia after being headbutted
- But his comments come in the wake of more concerns voiced by the RPA
- Research shows that the number of ex-players has to do with the consequences of a concussion
Surprising figures from the Rugby Players’ Association show that nearly 50 percent of 180 former professionals believe they suffer from some long-term brain problem.
In a newsletter to its members, which has been seen by Sports postthe RPA highlights the number of ex-players dealing with the effects of concussion after retirement.
On Monday, England winger Tom Curry insisted he is “completely confident” in his health and supported rugby’s concussion protocols after suffering a headbutt in Australia in July.
England World Cup winning hooker Steve Thompson is also one of the former players involved
But his comments come in the wake of more concerns expressed by the RPA.
“When we surveyed more than 180 retired players about their health last year, while reporting that their health was generally good, nearly 50 percent of respondents believed they had experienced some form of long-term cognitive problem.” , according to their correspondence with players read.
“But while only 33 percent of those experiencing such problems had sought expert help and only 14 percent had a diagnosis, more than 80 percent of those with such problems said they would consider seeking expert help.”
Rugby’s response to concussion remains one of the biggest problems. More than 100 former players – including England 2003 World Cup winner Steve Thompson – are involved in a legal claim against the sport’s authorities for battling brain problems caused by their careers on the pitch.
Former Wales captain Ryan Jones is among the players seeking compensation
Thompson and former Wales back row Alix Popham are two of many men suffering from probable chronic traumatic encephalopathy and incipient dementia.
England flanker Curry was withdrawn from the last two Tests of England’s successful summer tour of Australia after headbutting in Perth.
Curry and his England teammates Maro Itoje and Sam Underhill all suffered concussions in action against the Wallabies.
England winger Tom Curry insisted he has ‘complete confidence’ in rugby’s concussion protocols after being headbutted in Australia in July.
“I’m completely confident in my long-term health,” Curry said.
‘I’ll leave that to the scientists. Ultimately, my job is to play rugby. That’s what I focus on and if something comes out that helps players in the long term, then brilliant.’
Curry added that the fact that the England medical team has given him a long break ‘shows how rugby is going and what progress it’s making’, but there is undoubtedly more that could be done.
Curry missed England’s last two tests in Australia to return home and rest this summer. He is part of Eddie Jones’ squad training in London this week ahead of the fall testing.
“The doctors checked me very well,” Curry added. “I got to do my own thing, came back and was tested, and everything was fine. There was no stopping it.’
The England medical team takes the utmost care of all their players who suffer head injuries, while the RPA also gives its members access to a ‘Brain Health Hub’ and courses on brain health.
England confirmed that they will play against Wales home and away and will also play against Fiji at Twickenham next summer ahead of the 2023 World Cup.
Eddie Jones’ squad – who visited Thorpe Park on Monday for a team bonding session – will also play a fourth warm-up game against an unconfirmed opponent.
Premiership Rugby has confirmed that Worcester’s matches with Gloucester and Harlequins have been canceled as the Warriors are still in administration and suspended from all competitions. In due course, a panel will be convened to determine the outcome and point allocation of the two games.