Wasps issue statement following Kearnan Myall's recent revelations
Wasps claim they were shocked and saddened to learn about Kearnan Myall’s recent revelations on his struggles with mental health during his time in rugby.
One of a dozen players who departed the Premiership club at the end of last season, the second row graphically reflected on his pro rugby career in a no-holds-barred UK newspaper on Monday.
In the in-depth feature with The Guardian he recounted a suicide attempt while in Dubai and also revealed he failed a drug test after taking cocaine on a night out. Having left rugby, the 32-year-old is now preparing to take a PhD in Psychiatry at Oxford University.
“Player welfare and mental health is something we at Wasps take very seriously,” read a club statement on Tuesday. “We are shocked and saddened to learn of former lock Kearnan Myall’s recent revelations about his struggles with mental health during his time in rugby.
“Suicide, depression, alcoholism and drug abuse are not avenues which anyone should have to go down, and, in whatever way possible, we as rugby clubs must support individuals to ensure no players or staff are faced with these perilous situations.
‘Kearnan, who spent six years at Wasps, is an intelligent, extremely highly-respected and highly-regarded individual, and it is important that his story prevents others from experiencing similar problems. It is imperative, that rugby players at all levels worldwide are supported not just physically, but mentally.
"Kearnan is researching mindfulness and mental health issues among athletes and as part of this, he will be conducting some of his research working with the Wasps academy to help the next generation.
“Hopefully, Kearnan’s work will assist players in coping with the stresses of the industry and prevent others from going through the same issues as he did during some of his career. We wish Kearnan the very best in his studies and fully support him in trying to make a difference, not just across the world of rugby, but across all sports.
“With the support of the Rugby Players’ Association (RPA) and also club doctors and GPs, we would always encourage players or staff to utilise the support which is on offer on a regular basis, and will continue to remind them who they should contact if or when they feel that they require the support.
"RPA members who may be struggling with their mental health can access the RPA’s 24/7 confidential counselling service by calling 0044 1373 858 080, or for more information visit therpa.co.uk/lifttheweight."
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It certainly needs to be cherished. Despite Nick (and you) highlighting their usefulness for teams like Australia (and obviously those in France they find form with) I (mention it general in those articles) say that I fear the game is just not setup in Aus and NZ to appreciate nor maximise their strengths. The French game should continue to be the destination of the biggest and most gifted athletes but it might improve elsewhere too.
I just have an idea it needs a whole team focus to make work. I also have an idea what the opposite applies with players in general. I feel like French backs and halves can be very small and quick, were as here everyone is made to fit in a model physique. Louis was some 10 and 20 kg smaller that his opposition and we just do not have that time of player in our game anymore. I'm dying out for a fast wing to appear on the All Blacks radar.
But I, and my thoughts on body size in particular, could be part of the same indoctrination that goes on with player physiques by the establishment in my parts (country).
Go to commentsHis best years were 2018 and he wasn't good enough to win the World Cup in 2023! (Although he was voted as the best player in the world in 2023)
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