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One of England’s 2003 Rugby World Cup winners, who now cannot recall playing in the final, is among a group of former internationals planning legal action for brain injuries.
Former front row forward Steve Thompson, 42, watched the 2003 final on television during the shutdown.
“I can see I’m there,” he said, “but I can’t remember any of it.”
Steve Thompson celebrates winning the world cup in Sydney in 2003
He is in a “test group” of eight former players, each of whom will file claims against World Rugby and the relevant national rugby authority for [the claimants] of the risks caused by concussions. “
Also in the group is another former England player, Michael Lipman.
Lipman, 40, who now lives in Australia, revealed his troubles last month and told the Sydney Morning Herald that he had been knocked out 30 times in his career.
Now, she has described the impact of her latest concussion, saying, “It was like the lights were on but no one was home. That feeling lasted for nine months.”
He is critical of the attention he received as a player.
“The doctors were part of the coaching staff and their job was always to get you repaired and back on the pitch,” he said.
Michael Lipman receives treatment for a head injury while playing for Bath in 2009
Rugby has changed its rules in recent years, changing the definitions of high tackle to try to protect the heads of the players.
Sports authorities have indicated that they are unwilling to comment on the planned action until they receive legal notices.
The law firm representing the test group says they represent more than 100 players.
Richard Boardman of Rylands Law said, “They just want to make it safer so current and future generations don’t end up like them.”
Alix Popham (right), who plays for Wales against Fiji, says she does not remember meeting Nelson Mandela
Players have also created 15 “commandments” that they believe would make the game safer.
These include more research, better testing and a recognition from rugby authorities that playing can lead to neurodegenerative diseases.
Another of the group of eight, 41-year-old Alix Popham of Wales, was diagnosed with early-onset traumatic brain injury. dementia in April.
He does not recall meeting Nelson Mandela before a match in 2004.
“I had a great career and willingly gave my heart, body and soul to rugby,” he said. “I just didn’t know I was giving my mind too.”
