Ten former rugby league players are planning legal action against the Rugby Football League for negligence relating to “neurological complications”.
Ex-GB scrum-half Bobbie Goulding is one of a test group of players, all aged under 60, bringing the legal action, the BBC reports.
Scotland internationals Jason Roach and Ryan MacDonald, and Former Wales international Michael Edwards – who have each been diagnosed with early-onset dementia – are also part of the group.
According to lawyer Richard Boardman, all 10 ex-players are suffering from “neurological complications”.
Overall he is representing 50 former professional rugby league players in their 20s to 50s, who are all showing symptoms linked to neurological complications.
Beyond financial compensation, the claim is about making the game safer and improving testing, diagnosis and access to urgent clinical support, said Boardman.
“The vast majority of the former players we represent love the game and don’t want to see it harmed in any way,” he said.
“They just want to make it safer so current and future generations don’t end up like them. We’re asking the RFL to make a number of immediate, relatively low-cost changes to save the sport, such as limiting contact in training and extending the return to play following a concussion.”
In a statement, the RFL said: “The Rugby Football League has recently been contacted by solicitors representing a number of former players.
“The RFL takes player safety and welfare extremely seriously and has been saddened to hear about some of the former players’ difficulties.
“Rugby league is a contact sport and, while there is an element of risk to playing any sport, player welfare is always of paramount importance.
“As a result of scientific knowledge, the sport of rugby league continues to improve and develop its approach to concussion, head injury assessment, education, management and prevention across the whole game. We will continue to use medical evidence and research to reinforce and enhance our approach.”
The news follows similar actions taken by rugby union players including England’s World Cup winner Steve Thompson.
Read more on that case here.
