Rugby union warned ‘radical action’ must be taken to counter brain disease

Rugby union must take “radical action” to counter the risk of degenerative brain disease among its players, a pressure group has warned, or risk the reputation of the sport being “damaged beyond repair”.

Progressive Rugby made the claim as it prepared to submit evidence as part of legal proceedings taken by former players against World Rugby, the Rugby Football Union and the Welsh Rugby Union. The case, brought by 185 former professionals, was due to be presented to court on Monday.

A joint statement issued by the three governing bodies insisted on their commitment to player welfare.

“We care deeply about all our players, including former players, and never stand still when it comes to welfare,” it said. “Our strategies to prevent, identify and manage head injuries are driven by a passion to safeguard our players and founded on the latest science, evidence and independent expert guidance.” Momentum is building towards a reckoning over concussion and related illnesses in rugby, with Progressive Rugby set to issue what it believes is a comprehensive manifesto for restructuring the sport.

“While not involved in the litigation, we are deeply saddened to see the large number of players taking legal action as a result of neurological issues they believe are related to their time playing the game,” the organisation said.

“Progressive Rugby is in the process of finalising a comprehensive list of player welfare critical requirements which will be submitted to World Rugby. We believe delay is no longer an option and that radical action must be taken as a matter of urgency to ensure rugby union’s reputation isn’t damaged beyond repair.”

The complaints that form the basis of the class action, which is led by the law firm Rylands,