All eight players to have come forward so far have been diagnosed by neurologists at King’s College London with early onset dementia and probable Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE).
CTE can develop when the brain is subjected to numerous small blows or rapid movements – sometimes known as sub-concussions – and is associated with symptoms such as memory loss, depression and progressive dementia.
Lawyers for the group suggest another 80 former players between the ages of 25 and 55 are showing symptoms and have serious concerns.
Global governing body World Rugby told BBC Sport: “While not commenting on speculation, World Rugby takes player safety very seriously and implements injury-prevention strategies based on the latest available knowledge, research and evidence.”
The Rugby Football Union (RFU), which runs the sport in England, said: “The RFU has had no legal approach on this matter. The Union takes player safety very seriously and implements injury prevention and injury treatment strategies based on the latest research and evidence.
“The Union has played an instrumental role in establishing injury surveillance, concussion education and assessment, collaborating on research as well as supporting law changes and law application to ensure proactive management of player welfare.”
Former Northampton Saints lock and now RPA player liaison officer Christian Day said the accounts from Thompson and former Wales international Alix Popham have been “harrowing” and that “as a recent former player, with a young family, it hits home”.
He told BBC Sport he had “seven or eight” concussions during his career but believes players look out for each other more now and more gravity is given to head injuries.
“You can never sit still,” he said. “I do think some amazing work has been done, I do think that the game has changed a huge amount particularly in terms of education and players’ awareness and also the testing that is done. But that doesn’t mean we should stop here.
