Former Great Britain centre Garry Schofield has revealed he has received a brain damage diagnosis, which will eventually lead to dementia.
The Rugby League Hall of Fame member won 46 caps for GB and played for Leeds Rhinos between 1987 and 1996, also appearing for Hull and Huddersfield Giants during his career. He partook in four Lions tours and captained Great Britain 13 times.
Since ending his playing days, Schofield has worked in the media and also spent time coaching Huddersfield and Barrow.
Writing in his final column for Total Rugby League, Schofield revealed he had several operations on his eye from 2019 onwards, which eventually led to it being removed.
However he thereafter suffered with “headaches, migraines, forgetfulness, anxiety and lack of concentration” and says that eventually led to him being diagnosed with brain damage in March 2023, which he kept secret until now.
With that expected to lead to dementia, the 59-year-old has opted to step away from all media duties and life around rugby league to prioritise health and day-to-day life.
While Schofield detailed plenty of difficult moments he has already faced since his initial eye issues, he also acknowledged in his final column why he realises it could be far worse – pointing to the trials endured by the late Rob Burrow.
“I was asked recently if I’d seriously considered suicide. The answer is no, but I have very low moments when I wonder if I’m a burden and whether my family would be better off without me. And then I snap out of it, but those moments worry me.
“I’m on daily medication, but life has to go on. Like I said, my problems go back to December 2019, and I realise, of course, that’s when Rob Burrow received a far worse diagnosis than me. His story is devastating, and it’s one that makes me realise that, by comparison, I am lucky.”
Schofield took aim at key figures within Rugby League for the “sanitised” version of the sport they have created, saying “critical analysis has been driven out of English Rugby League by a governing body and clubs simply for the selfish reason that they don’t appreciate scrutiny.”
He also paid tribute to those he played and worked alongside, as well as fans and readers alike, before signing off for the final time: “Goodbye, Rugby League. It’s been a hell of a ride!”
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