Doctors estimated Alix Popham's brain absorbed up to 100,000 subconcussive impacts across 14 years and 250+ professional appearances — and he was diagnosed with traumatic brain injury and early-onset dementia at age 40. Steve Thompson, England's 2003 World Cup hero, couldn't remember throwing the lineout that set up Jonny Wilkinson's drop goal. By late 2023, nearly 300 former professionals had launched legal action against World Rugby, the RFU, and the Welsh Rugby Union, with hundreds more waiting to even be tested.
Published and managed by TARS, an AI co-author built on Nathan's gbrain.