Rugby: Former All Black Norm Maxwell’s wife opens up about witnessing the effects of concussion

Former All Black’s wife Norm Maxwell has spoken out amid recent developments in rugby’s concussion battle.

Maxwell, who played 36 test games over a six-year period beginning in 1999 for the All Blacks, has struggled with the aftermath of concussion in recent years.

In a Facebook post, his wife, Jesica Buezas, spoke about what it’s like to watch from the outside.

“As a partner of a former All Black, I have seen what it is like to live in pain EVERY DAY,” she wrote.

“I’ve seen what it is [sic] he likes to be sensitive to artificial light, have a migraine for days if he does not protect himself with sunglasses and a hat. I have seen the fight. I’ve seen my little boy have to be aware of his dad’s pain when they play, have to watch out for his neck. I’ve seen how they charged him $ 450 for an X-ray because those injuries were a long time ago.

“I think it’s time to act and make a difference and protect the players. Those players give their all on the field every game and feel the pressure of having to win every time because the jersey is too heavy. And when they finished their careers nobody knows the struggles they go through.

“I hope this is the beginning of a conversation that is much needed. Good for this woman for talking about it. We love you baby and we see you.”

Earlier this week, the Herald reported that up to 70 former rugby players may have contributed to a lawsuit, including several All Blacks, whose lives and livelihoods have been affected by cognitive problems ranging from post-concussion syndrome to suspicion. of chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). ), a degenerative disease with no cure that can only be diagnosed after death.

Two former All Blacks, Carl Hayman and Geoff Old, told the Herald they had been in contact with UK-based lawyers about their medical conditions after playing.

The action is being prepared and will likely target various national rugby bodies within that jurisdiction. Sources indicate that he will argue that rugby authorities have known and subsequently downplayed the risks associated with repetitive head injuries for decades.

It is not yet known what damages would be sought for those suffering the aftermath of injuries sustained while playing rugby.

On Thursday, NZR CEO Mark Robinson expressed sympathy for those affected by a concussion.

“As a player I played for a long time and I have suffered concussions on a few occasions and I played at a time when certainly the education in this space continued to grow.

“We took every precaution when I was an athlete and we’ve only gotten better with time,” said Robinson, a nine-round All Black.

“I personally spoke with [World Rugby chairman] Bill Beaumont on a number of issues in this area last night. It is difficult for me to comment on what is coming out of London and any potential legal action, but I would reiterate that we are engaged and have been for some time mitigating and educating on concussion in our country.

“We know we can be better and we must continue to work in this area because it is very complex. We have great sympathy and empathy for anyone in rugby who is fighting right now both nationally and internationally, our hearts go out to them.

“The potential for class action is a reality of the situation that has arisen offshore that we cannot discuss in detail.”