Almost 300 former rugby players set to launch class action lawsuit against governing bodies over brain injuries as World Cup hero Steve Thompson and others detail how their lives were affected by blows to the head

• The claimants blame the sport for brain injuries after repeated blows to the head 
• The case will be brought against World Rugby as well as the RFU and the WRU 
• A host of former players have detailed how traumatic injuries changed their lives

Almost 300 former rugby players are set to apply for a class action lawsuit against the sport’s governing bodies next month, according to an explosive new report.

A group comprised of former rugby union professionals and amateurs blame the sport for crippling brain injuries after suffering repeated blows to the head.

England World Cup winner Steve Thompson is among 268 players who allege they sustained illness, including dementia and depression, as a result of the contact.

A further 26 are said to be ready to put forward a similar claim shortly. 

The case, as revealed by The Sunday Times, will be brought against World Rugby, the Rugby Football Union – England’s governing body – and the Welsh Rugby Union. 

England World Cup winner Steve Thompson is among the group set to sue rugby’s authorities

Thompson is among 268 players who allege they sustained illness due to repeated head blows

The case will be brought against World Rugby, the Rugby Football Union and the WRU 

The publication has seen claims by a host of individuals in which they reveal how their lives have been affected by injuries sustained during matches and in training.

Their solicitor will next month apply for a group litigation order on their behalf at the High Court in London. If successful, they would be in line for significant damages.

Each of the cases date from the mid-1970s until last season, it is said. 

The claimants include three members of World Cup-winning teams, 14 England internationals, 47 former Wales players, four from Ireland and six from Scotland.

A total of 13 previously represented the British and Irish Lions.

Also among the litigants are internationals from New Zealand, Samoa, Tonga, Romania and Canada, while six of the individuals are women. 

The claimants include three players of World Cup-winning teams and 14 England internationals

Their lawyers allege that each of the three governing bodies failed in their duty of care, with players’ claims detailing a lack of correct medical attention after injuries as well as examples of them being rushed back into action prematurely.

The claimants were examined in person or via video link. Dr Steven Allder, the neurologist responsible for diagnosing many of the group, is said to have written that some of the players may have their life expectancy reduced by 13 years. 

One of the litigants is Neil Spence, formerly of Leicester Tigers and Gloucester.

On the 47-year-old, a report states: ‘In my opinion, on balance, Mr Spence has developed long-term brain injury complication from rugby. This is, on the balance of probabilities, a form of early onset neurodegeneration, and is most likely to be CTE.’ 

Chronic traumatic encephalopathy is a brain disease caused by head injuries. 

Spence said: ‘I still love the game, for what it has given me and the person it has made me. Rugby has values and I hold those values dear. 

One of the litigants is Neil Spence (pictured), formerly of Leicester Tigers and Gloucester

‘The places I’ve been, the friends I’ve made, the memories, but if I knew that it was going to turn out the way it has, with the issues I have and problems that are only going to get worse, would I have still played? Sadly, the answer is no.’

Michael Lipman, who earned 10 caps for England between 2004 and 2008, is said to have suffered at least five episodes of loss of consciousness during a game. A neurologist’s report says he suffers from headaches, anxiety and depression.

The legal defences to the damning claims are yet to be filed but World Rugby, the Rugby Football Union and the Welsh Rugby Union have released a joint statement.

‘We remain saddened to hear the stories of former players who are struggling,’ the statement said. ‘Despite court orders to do so, the players’ lawyers have yet to provide full details of the claims being made against us.

‘Therefore we cannot comment on the ongoing legal action, nor reach out to the players directly. We would want players involved to know that we listen, we care and continue to champion player welfare as the sport’s number one priority.

‘Players can have confidence that rugby is as safe as a contact sport can be. Rugby will always be led by the latest science when taking any action on player welfare.

Michael Lipman (pictured) suffered at least five episodes of loss of consciousness in games

‘The vast majority of community rugby players around the world, including in England and Wales, are taking part in trials of a lower tackle height this season which we believe will make the game even safer and more enjoyable to play. 

‘World Rugby is also investing £2million over the next 12 months to further advance the head injury assessment in elite rugby. 

‘This upgraded assessment will include smart mouthguard technology, providing doctors with an immediate alert if a player experiences any high-force event. 

‘A world first for any sport, this development will significantly accelerate our understanding of head impacts and how to reduce them.

‘The whole of rugby cares deeply about all of our current and former players. We will never stand still when it comes to player welfare.’

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