Around fifteen players who played in the French Rugby Championship have decided to take legal action against the French Rugby Federation and the National Rugby League for failing to comply with safety and information obligations regarding concussions. The team . Among them we meet the Canadian Jamie Cudmore (former Clermont), the New Zealander Carl Heyman (Toulon), the English Steve Thompson (Briv) or the Welsh Alix Popham.
The players, who all developed in France and suffered the effects of concussions, are represented by law firm Alekto. “The goal is not to criminalize anyone’s behavior, but to finally recognize the plight of players who are living the silent nightmare, and that appropriate measures be taken to effectively protect those who are still playing.“, he explains The team Nino Arno, one of the players’ lawyers.
This collective action is part of a more global movement on the oval planet. A hundred former rugby players, mostly British, have filed a lawsuit against the International Federation (World Rugby) over its poor management of concussion risks. These former players are blaming World Rugby and their national federations, the RFU and WRU. “Lack of protection against risks after concussions”explained Rylands law firm, which represents these players who are suffering from early signs of dementia and possible “chronic traumatic encephalopathy”.
“My brain was like a camera without film”
Former Welsh third rower Alix Popham gave a chilling testimony in the columns recently The team. The 33-cap international explained it“Today, (he has) very few memories (his) career, everything is foggy” :” When I watch my videos, it’s like I’m watching someone else. In prison they played England v Wales, my last international match (2008), I could see myself struggling, but I couldn’t feel anything inside me. It was empty. I was told that my brain had become without a film camera. He takes photos, but does not save them.
On Monday, the Federation and the League received the letter from the lawyers informing them about this action. The two bodies will talk after the consultation meetings of the doctors. Recently, in an informal meeting, the LNR explained that it was concerned that such action, on this very sensitive subject, would be proposed by former players. It is now done.
Source: Le Figaro