"Early Onset Dementia Linked to Physical Sport Participation in Former National Players"

Former professional rugby players Alix Popham and Lenny Woodard, both in their 40s, have been diagnosed with early onset dementia and probable chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a neurodegenerative disease associated with repeated head trauma. They are among more than 450 current and former rugby players taking legal action against global governing body World Rugby and national governing bodies for negligence in protecting players from permanent injury caused by repetitive concussive and sub-concussive blows. Experts warn that head injury protocols in collision-based sports like rugby need to go beyond treating concussions, and studies have shown a high prevalence of CTE in former rugby players. The players are advocating for safer practices to protect current and future players, including children, from the long-term risks of head injuries in the sport.