1
Dan Scarbrough joins legal case after being diagnosed with early onset dementia
By PA
Former England international Dan Scarbrough has joined the landmark legal case against World Rugby, the Rugby Football Union and Wales Rugby Union over alleged failures to protect players from the risks caused by concussion.
The 43-year-old, who in December was diagnosed with a traumatic brain injury, early onset dementia and probable chronic traumatic encephalopathy – a neurodegenerative disease – joins eight other players who are suing the governing bodies.
“I became involved to access specialist treatment and to gain an understanding of what was happening to me,” said Scarbrough, now head of rugby at Bradford Grammar School.
“One of the main drivers for this action, and for speaking out, is to help other former professionals gain access to elite level treatment and deal with injuries sustained throughout our careers, which is effectively cut off once you retire.
“The governing bodies have a responsibility to look after us post-retirement. Yet, prevention is better than cure.
“I knew what it was doing to my body, I just didn’t realise what it was doing to my brain. My biggest issue now is memory loss.
“I also want to ensure that there are clear measures in place to protect the game at grass roots level and continue to increase the safety of the sport, across all levels, particularly in relation to head injuries.”
In December, a pre-action letter of claim was delivered to World Rugby, the RFU and WRU on behalf of the players – who include former England World Cup-winning hooker Steve Thompson, fellow England flanker Michael Lipman and Wales flanker Alix Popham – by Rylands Law.
It alleges that the risks of concussions and sub-concussive injuries were “known and foreseeable” and lists 24 failures on the part of World Rugby, RFU and WRU.
Discussions between Rylands and the governing bodies are ongoing.
Trending on RugbyPass
2
Scottish Rugby set for huge Duhan van der Merwe shaped boost
3
World Player of the Year was only a two horse race
4
The full list of 2024 World Rugby Awards winners
5
Latest Comments
Ben Smith. My Man! So glad this is only "opinion piece". I was Reading the headline and straight away assumed you meant a 2 horse race between Pieter and Cheslin. There was no way you you meant Caelan.
Cheslin is not only the most exciting winger of this generation, but also a multi disciplined performer, Defence, Lineouts, Conversions and scrumming. LOL. He can do it all. He can put players twice his size on there rear ends and side step at full pace around on coming traffic on a penny.
I will also note that there has been since 2009 till 2017 only NZ winners bar the great one Thierry Dusautoir for France in 2011. And this was because they were the best team in the world winning back to back world cups, also having the best players at that time nominated. Never before has there been more than 2 players from the same country nominated for the award, but this year there was 3 from SA. All Dbl World Cup winning Players.
No one has been so put out about who was nominated in earlier awards, but for some reason you are.
I am thankful that its not up to you to decide on the "token" choices. (Rather lets not use that language again). The world chose the players and lets leave it there.
I don't Blame Rugby Pass for allowing this to print, but there should have been some profound editing on this.
Thanks for your opinion, But maybe lets keep it that just yours not anyone else's.
Go to commentsIf OZ are to regain their lost credibility they now need to tip up the Irish or at least run them close. Can't see that happening even though miracles occasionally occur
Go to comments