‘Approximately 1,100’ ex-players now involved in concussion case after ‘flood of requests’ before court deadline
Ex-Wales out-half Gavin Henson
More than 1,100 ex-rugby players – 784 from union and 319 from league – have now joined the legal actions against the rugby authorities over concussion-related injuries.
Last Friday, May 30, was the final court deadline for new players to sign and the addition of more than 520 players on the books of legal firm Rylands Garth hugely increased the number of claimants now involved.
A case management hearing will now be heard across two days in July before 21 final test claimants will be used as case studies the action finally goes to trial, potentially in 2026.
Former rugby union stars such as Wales duo Gavin Henson and yan Jones and England Rugby World Cup 2003 trio, Steve Thompson, Mark Regan and Phil Vickery, are involved in the action as is Harry Ellis, the 2009 British and Irish Lions scrum-half.
A statement read: “More than 520 additional former rugby players have signed up to the landmark legal action against rugby authorities over concussion-related injuries, in time for the final court deadline for new joiners.
“Many of our players have seen their lives upended…”
“The latest surge in sign-ups brings the total number of players involved in the case to approximately 1,100, according to Rylands Garth, the firm acting on behalf of the players.
“The firm said the flood of requests from players seeking to join the case ahead of the final court deadline highlights the extent of the problem of brain injuries and neurodegenerative disease in rugby.
“The former players involved in the case argue that rugby governing bodies failed to take reasonable action to protect them from the impacts of concussive and sub-concussive blows during their playing careers, despite knowing of the risks.
“Claimants are seeking compensation from World Rugby, the Rugby Football Union, Welsh Rugby Union, Rugby Football League and British Amateur Rugby League Association for lost earnings, medical bills and care costs associated with their injuries.
Loose Pass: Rugby’s existential peril over concussion crisis
“Rylands Garth is also calling for urgent and substantive reform of the game to better protect the safety of current and future players – including the creation of an independent brain health ombudsman for the sport.
“Last Friday marked the final opportunity for new players to join the legal actions, following instructions provided by the court at the last court hearing in February. The next case management hearing in the rugby case is due to be held over two days on July 22 and 23.
“Both sides have been asked to put forward suggestions for test claimants to the court. The final 21 test claimants will then be used as case studies when the case goes to trial, potentially next year.
“Rylands Garth also represents approximately 130 former football players, taking similar action against the Football Association and others. The next court hearing for the football case is due to take place on June 26.”
A Rylands Garth spokesperson said: “Since the final sign-up deadline was set by Senior Master Cook in February, we have been inundated with requests from concerned players and their families. There is no doubt that the number affected far exceeds even those we have issued proceedings for.
“This surge in claimants exposes the deep-rooted issues in rugby and the substantial impact that the negligence of authorities has had on players. Many of our players have seen their lives upended by the injuries they sustained during their careers, with little or no aftercare or support.
“If governing bodies continue to bury their heads in the sand, the very future of rugby is at risk. Players continue to play almost all year round, with many elite players soon to embark on extremely physical summer tours across the rugby world. We will continue to fight for justice for those who gave so much to the game.”
READ MORE: ‘Wink-gate’ leaves ‘sour taste’ as play-off season gets underway with ‘gripping’ games