World Rugby accused of 'disrespecting modern-day players'
World Rugby have been accused of “disrespecting modern-day players” after their response to the concussion lawsuit was branded “incredibly frustrating and offensive”.
In an exclusive interview with Telegraph Sport, World Rugby chief executive Alan Gilpin hit back at the lawsuit triggered by former and current players against the global governing body, as well as the Rugby Football Union and the Welsh Rugby Union.
Concussion lobby group Progressive Rugby recently published a seven-point plan to limit brain injuries, which includes a minimum 21-day non-negotiable blanket stand down after a brain injury, irrespective of a player’s concussion history, that was also delivered to World Rugby.
Gilpin strongly disagreed with the mandatory stand down proposal, instead claiming there should be an individualised return-to-play protocol out of concern that players would be reluctant to come forward with concussion symptoms out of fear of missing a guaranteed period of matches. In response Progressive Rugby slammed Gilpin’s comments.
“We know from speaking with players currently in the elite game that changing rooms have never been more receptive to information around the importance of looking after their brain health,” said a Progressive Rugby spokesperson.
“World Rugby reject a mandatory minimum stand down period following brain injury because of the alleged behaviour of those playing prior to 2011. We believe this is a disrespectful assumption of the modern player who now has vast amounts of knowledge compared to the prior generation.”
Gilpin also claimed the number of players involved is lower than the near-200 reported, and said those involved should engage with World Rugby rather than take legal action or comment in the media. World Rugby said they had been in dialogue with Progressive Rugby, but talks ended due to some of its members being involved in the legal proceedings which were submitted to the three governing bodies last month.
Progressive Rugby is an independent non-litigation group but some of its members are involved in the litigation against World Rugby. It is no secret that rugby union has a serious issue with concussion as many former players suffering life-changing conditions as a result.
Only last month former Wales captain Ryan Jones revealed he had been diagnosed with early-onset dementia at the age of 41, following on from former England internationals Steve Thompson and Michael Lipman and ex-Wales team-mate Alix Popham.
Progressive Rugby, in response, say they are extremely offended by World Rugby’s viewpoint that they and others involved are looking to benefit from the action or use the media to attract further complainants.
“While we respected World Rugby’s decision to cease player welfare discussions, it was naturally disappointing given the critical need for genuinely independent voices to be at the table,” said a Progressive Rugby spokesperson.
“It was also somewhat baffling given World Rugby had been aware, since our formation in February 2021, that we had a very small number of members who are involved in the litigation.
“However, what we do find incredibly frustrating and offensive, is the inference that Progressive Rugby is part of, or somehow benefits from the ongoing litigation.
“Each member of Progressive Rugby gives their time for free, and we are fiercely proud that our only driver is the welfare of players and the continued success of the game.
“While we clearly have deep sympathy for those living with the effect of early onset dementia and CTE, our focus is solely on learning from the mistakes made in the past so we can better protect the current and future players of this great game.”
