Nick Fozzard claims players were lied to about head injuries as he justifies lawsuit

Former Leeds Rhinos, St Helens and Hull KR star Nick Fozzard has been at the centre of controversy since he joined the lawsuit against the RFL mainly because of his approach to the game when he played.

However, Fozzard has been perhaps the most vocal ex-player when it comes to defending the decision which has been widely criticised by some former players but especially supporters.

But credit to Fozzard, he has constantly stood by his decision and has provided further information on his decision revealing he and other players were lied to about head injuries.

He said on social media: “We were told, ‘Having mental health issues and progressive brain injuries from playing sport is a fairytale.’

“That’s what we were told which is obviously 100% incorrect – but that’s what was told to the players so it came as a bit of a shock to find out what I’ve found out.”

we were told –
“Having mental Heath. Issues and progressive brain injuries from playing sport is a fairytale “
That’s what we were told
Obviously that’s 100% incorrect – but that’s what was told to the players
So it came as a bit of a shock to find out what I’ve found out

— Nick Fozzard (@Fozzythebear1) August 19, 2023

Fozzard started his career at Leeds Rhinos in 1993 prior to playing for Huddersfield Giants and Warrington Wolves.

The best spell of his career came at St Helens, in two stints separated by time with Hull KR.

He also played for Castleford Tigers and Dewsbury Rams.

Speaking to BBC of the decision, he said:

“I once broke my cheekbone, tore my eye ligaments, got concussed,” he said. “I only found out I’d done all that damage a few weeks later. I missed one game.

“The issue isn’t getting hurt, you’re going to get hurt playing rugby league but when you get hurt you need to be fixed afterwards as best you can be and the systems need to be put in there.

“I was never told of any risks. No one said ‘listen this is a really rough, tough sport, these are the risks, this is what could happen to you if you play it and then you know what the score is’.

“But I didn’t know the score. I didn’t know I was going to forget everybody’s names of friends and it would change my personality.”

Now speaking on Twitter, he has underlined the more emotional and heartfelt reasons behind his decision.

“I’m involved in this case to provide for my kids & fiancée when I’m no longer here – I hope you can all relate to that,” he said.

“I’m also involved to help bring about better medical procedures and care for players after injury.”

Following this, Fozzard was hit with a bit of a backlash given the way he used to play.