Legal proceedings on behalf of 54 grass-roots players have been issued by the law firm taking on rugby union’s authorities over concussion.
These claimants are said to be suffering from brain injuries and, according to Rylands, contend that World Rugby, the Rugby Football Union and the Welsh Rugby Union failed to protect them.
Earlier this week it was announced that World Rugby’s executive board had recommended that its member unions participate in a global trial of lowering the legal tackle-height to the sternum across the community game. While welcoming this initiative, Rylands branded it as “too little, too late”.
“The players we represent love the game,” read a statement from the firm, who are said to be representing more than 350 players in total, ranging in age from their 20s to their 70s, across both rugby union and rugby league.
“We aim to challenge the current perceptions of the governing bodies, to reach a point where they accept the connection between repetitive blows to the head and permanent neurological injury and to take steps to protect players and support those who are injured.”
World Rugby, the RFU and WRU released a joint statement of their own.
“World Rugby, the RFU and WRU care deeply about all members of the rugby family and we are saddened to hear of any player, from whatever level of our sport, who is struggling,” it read.
“Whilst legal action prevents us from engaging with these players directly, it is important that players from all parts of our game know that welfare remains our number one priority.
“Rugby is a sport that supports lifelong health and wellbeing benefits for participants at every level. It is loved by millions of current and former players around the globe.
“Acting on the latest science, evidence and independent expert guidance, we constantly strive to safeguard and support all our players – future, current, and former. Rugby is a leader in the prevention, management and identification of head impacts.
“We proactively fund transformational research, embrace innovation and leave no stone unturned to ensure that our sport is accessible, inclusive and as safe as possible for all participants.
“This includes our recent announcements in relation to tackle height in the community game to continue to gather an evidence-based approach. We will never stand still when it comes to player welfare.
“We still do not have full details of the case being made against us by any former elite or amateur player. As such it is not possible for us to comment on the legal cases at this time.”
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