Over 1,000 Former Rugby Players Sue Over Concussion-Related Brain Injuries

A class-action lawsuit involving more than 1,000 former professional rugby players is moving forward in the U.K., with the plaintiffs alleging they sustained long-term brain damage due to repeated head impacts during their playing careers. According to the London-based law firm Rylands Garth, over 520 new claimants joined the case by the recent court deadline, pushing the total number to around 1,100.

The lawsuit names several governing bodies as defendants, including World Rugby, the Rugby Football Union (RFU), and the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU), as well as the Rugby Football League and the British Amateur Rugby League Association. The claimants assert that these organizations failed to implement proper safety measures, despite having knowledge of the risks associated with concussive and sub-concussive impacts.

The legal action seeks compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and ongoing care costs. Prominent former players such as England’s Steve Thompson and New Zealand’s Carl Hayman have previously joined the suit. Rylands Garth is also advocating for reforms within the sport, including the appointment of an independent brain health ombudsman to enhance player safety.

In response, the named rugby organizations emphasized their ongoing safety initiatives, such as the use of smart mouthguard technology and modifications to tackle rules. However, with a hearing scheduled for July, the case could have far-reaching implications for player safety protocols across contact sports.