Worrying data has been revealed in regards to the claimants involved in the concussion lawsuit against the rugby league governing bodies.
Around two-thirds (64%) of claimants involved in the concussion lawsuit against the rugby league governing bodies have reported symptoms of degenerative brain disease.
That is according to the BBC who have reported the news and uncovered that 108 of the 168 players involved in the lawsuit have shown signs of Chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), which is linked to repeated blows to the head, is
A further 60 have been diagnosed with post-concussion syndrome, as seen in exclusive documents by the BBC, which have now been submitted to both the RFL and BARLA.
As part of the litigation, tests by a team of neuro-specialists have been completed on all 168 claimants as part of their evidence, whose ages range from 26 to 76, five of whom are now deceased.
However, CTE cannot be officially diagnosed until after death but has been linked to dementia and an increased risk of mental illness for those suffering.
Rugby League concussion lawsuit update as data revealed
There were seven different neurological conditions diagnosed amongst the former players, including Motor Neurone Disease, Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s, as well as CTE and post-concussion syndrome.
The group of former players are claiming for negligence from the governing bodies over protection from serious brain injuries and ‘should have established and implemented rules on the assessment, diagnosis and treatment of actual or suspected concussive injuries’.
The findings are pretty harrowing so far, with a significant number struggling with anxiety and depression as well as some at an elevated risk of suicide.
Many of the claimants are unable to remember key moments from their careers due to concussions suffered and several players continued to play through broken noses or after vomiting at the side of the pitch during a game.
Rylands Garth, the law firm representing the former players, said: “These statistics show the severity of the problems our claimants are going through – and, of course, there will be far more former players suffering like this outside of the case.
“Some of the stories we have heard are truly heartbreaking and their experiences must not be downplayed.
“Diagnoses such as MND, probable CTE, Parkinson’s and dementia are incredibly serious and we believe this is a problem on an industrial scale.”
The RFL and BARLA replied in a joint statement saying:Â “Rugby league is a contact sport and, while there is an element of risk to playing any sport, player welfare is always of paramount importance.
“As a result of scientific knowledge, the sport of rugby league continues to improve and develop its approach to concussion, head injury assessment, education, management and prevention across the whole game.
“We will continue to use medical evidence and research to reinforce and enhance our approach. Support to former professional players is always available from rugby league’s charity partner RL Cares.”
Serious About Rugby League approached the RFL for comment with the governing body confirming their previous statement, which read: “The RFL takes player safety and welfare extremely seriously, and it has been desperately sad to hear of any players’ difficulties.
“Rugby League is a contact sport and, while there is an element of risk to playing any sport, player welfare is always of paramount importance.
“As a result of scientific knowledge, the sport of Rugby League continues to improve and develop its approach to concussion, head injury assessment, education, management and prevention across the whole game.
“We will continue to use medical evidence and research to reinforce and enhance our approach.
“Support to former professional players is always available from Rugby League’s charity partner RL Cares.”
