A growing number of former British and Irish Lions are suing rugby authorities for brain injury.
The high-profile players join over 200 male and female competitors.
Former rugby international Lenny Woodard, who has early-onset dementia, predicted that when the names were released, people would be “shocked.”
World Rugby, the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU), and the Rugby Football Union (RFU) have all stated that they are committed to supporting all players.
Mr. Woodard, a native of Pontypool, told, “At some point, the list of players will be made public, and you’ll be horrified by some of the names on it.”
Regarding British players, you’re referring to the British Lions.
He said, “We talk about Ryan Jones, but there are athletes on that level, great names, who are currently involved in the processes, which is a tragedy because they are also battling.”
Ryan Jones, the former captain of the British and Irish Lions and Wales, disclosed in July that he had joined the lawsuit after being diagnosed with early-onset dementia.
Steve Thompson, a former Lion, England international, and World Cup champion, and Alix Popham, a former Wales international, are among the others.
Mr. Woodard stated that after his last interview, former professionals suffering from memory loss had approached him for guidance.
At least six former Welsh Premiership players from the 1990s were battling with memory loss and seeking medical assistance, according to the former dual-code professional.
“I’ve encountered former athletes who were afraid to come out because they didn’t want their employers to know they were struggling,” he said.
“They’ve worked hard to achieve where they are in their careers, and they don’t want their employers to view them negatively because of their struggles.
“It’s more pervasive than I initially believed; many guys are battling.”
The governing authorities of rugby are accused of not “protecting players from irreversible damage.”
Attorneys reported that legal processes have been initiated against approximately 160 players, with approximately 70 more expected next year.
Richard Boardman from Rylands Garth, who represents the athletes, stated that approximately 20 of the 235 former professionals had disclosed their diagnosis to the public.
Mr. Boardman stated that it was the largest legal action of its sort outside the United States, where the NFL has given more than £664 million to former players with dementia or concussion-related disorders.
“I may have played a role in that”
Mr. Woodard reflected on the role he may have played in creating injuries through his physical playing style.
He stated, “I wasn’t the most talented, but I always gave my all.”
I was probably as aggressive as they come when it came to running at people, but I never intended for anyone to be wounded.
He recalled a match against the Swansea team Bonymaen RFC in which he accidentally concussed a player with a “high shot.”
He remarked, “He’s been diagnosed with early-onset dementia, and now that I’ve seen the other side of the coin, I feel somewhat responsible.”
“He’s been extremely sweet about it, but I now feel this – I wouldn’t say guilt – but it’s disturbing to think that I may have contributed to it.”
Mr. Woodard also expressed concern about the prevalence of brain injuries in amateur leagues.
He desires that the choice to remove a player from a game be made by medical specialists at all levels of the sport.
This medical worker, he continued, should not “desire to die for the cause, die for the team – because ultimately, if these situations are not addressed, someone will die for the team.”
“We must standardize these decisions – this is the task of World Rugby: to accommodate all levels of rugby players.”
Peter Rogers, a former Wales international prop who is currently working as a domiciliary care supervisor and pursuing a master’s degree in dementia studies, stated that there was a very poor injury culture while he played.
Mr. Rogers told, “I had two broken bones in my hand, and I refused to play and practice with this ailment. I was humiliated by management and former teammates.”
“This provides you some insight into the injury culture, which is what I assume the group of athletes is suing over… namely, whether they were handled appropriately after sustaining an injury.”
We are deeply concerned about all players
World Rugby, the WRU, and the RFU stated in a joint statement that they received communication on November 24 asking for an extension of the deadline to disclose full details of player claims.
It was stated that they “care profoundly” about each member and are “devastated by the courageous personal testimonies” of individuals who are struggling.
The statement said, “Regarding further establishing rugby as the most progressive sport in terms of athlete welfare, we never rest.
“Rugby is a leader in the prevention, management, and identification of head impacts, and World Rugby aggressively finances transformative research, welcomes innovation, and explores technology to make the sport as accessible, inclusive, and safe for all participants as possible.
Rugby provides lifetime health and well-being benefits for all levels of participation.
“Millions of present and former players throughout the world adore it”
World Rugby, the WRU, and the RFU stated that they are unable to comment on the specifics of the legal case until they have reviewed the full claims.
