Northern Edition

Select Edition

Northern Northern
Southern Southern
Global Global
New Zealand New Zealand
France France

Brain Health Initiative launched just weeks after Hayman story

By PA
(Photo by Marty Melville/Getty Images)

Former and current professional players are being told by a new World Rugby initiative that depression and alcohol consumption are among twelve possible risk factors for dementia. The Brain Health Initiative, which is supported by the International Rugby Players Association, comes as the game’s authorities face legal action over an alleged failure to protect players from the risks of concussion.

ADVERTISEMENT

World Rugby, the Rugby Football Union and the Welsh Rugby Union are facing a lawsuit from in excess of 150 former players who are suffering from traumatic brain injury, early-onset dementia and probable CTE (chronic traumatic encephalopathy). This was a lawsuit recently joined by Carl Hayman, the former All Blacks prop.

But as part of the new campaign, leading independent experts have outlined twelve modifiable risk factors for dementia and “how rugby can play a positive role in reducing many of these”. 

Video Spacer

The RugbyPass Knocked documentary in the effects of concussion in rugby

Video Spacer

The RugbyPass Knocked documentary in the effects of concussion in rugby

Also among the possible causes of the condition are a lack of physical activity, air pollution, a lack of social interaction, smoking, obesity and brain injury.

“Long-term cognitive health is extremely complex and dementia isn’t necessarily a consequence of one factor,” said Craig Ritchie, professor of the psychiatry of ageing at the University of Edinburgh and director at Brain Health Scotland.

“It’s important for those involved in the game to understand that by prioritising good brain health, it’s possible to reduce the risk of developing dementia and other degenerative brain conditions.

“Rugby players – past and present – can make moves such as maintaining good health and fitness, and tackling stress, anxiety and depression to help reduce certain risk factors, while the sport continues to prioritise reducing the risk of head impacts for players at all levels and stages of the game.”

ADVERTISEMENT

ADVERTISEMENT

Argentina v France | HSBC SVNS Hong Kong 2025 | Men's Match Highlights

New Zealand v Australia | HSBC SVNS Hong Kong 2025 | Women's Match Highlights

Tokyo Sungoliath vs Shizuoka BlueRevs | Japan Rugby League One 2024/25 | Full Match Replay

Reds vs Force | Super Rugby W 2025 | Full Match Replay

Behind the Scenes with the Australian Rugby Sevens Team in Hong Kong | HSBC SVNS Embedded | Episode 9

The Rise of Kenya | The Report

New Zealand in Hong Kong | Brady Rush | Sevens Wonders | Episode 4

The Fixture: How This Rugby Rivalry Has Lasted 59 Years

Trending on RugbyPass

Comments

0 Comments
Be the first to comment...

Join free and tell us what you really think!

Sign up for free
ADVERTISEMENT

Latest Features

Comments on RugbyPass

B
Blackmania 1 hour ago
‘Current form doesn’t matter’: Commentator on potential All Blacks midfield

I don’t really share Johnson’s opinion. Nothing better than Tupaea and Lienert-Brown in NZ? It’s a good duo, and he wouldn’t look out of place, but I think we can do better. Tavatavanawai seems superior to Tupaea at 12. He’s a brute force, who makes few mistakes (which can still be criticized in Tupaea), formidable both with and without the ball in close contact. I can see him playing with Proctor. On paper, this combination would be very, very interesting, in the same philosophy as the iconic Nonu/C Smith duo.

Anyway, I remain convinced that in Razor’s mind, Jordie Barrett is indispensable at center, and he could quickly team up with Leicester Fainga’anuku. I’m betting on that in the near future.

However, a Tavatanawai/Proctor duo would be very interesting. Ennor also seems to be a good option instead of Proctor, who still hasn’t played this season. But Ennor has only played one match... he needs to be seen again and get some game time. There is a lot of talent in New Zealand in these two positions. The hardest part will be cutting players who could make a difference for many teams. The choices are going to be tough. If I had to make a bold bet, and unlike Johnson, I don’t see Tupaea being selected, and I imagine ALB could be in a tight spot against Proctor and Ennor if they are fit.

I imagine Jordie, Havili, Rieko, and Fainga'anuku with Tavatavanawai. Ennor or Proctor if Fainga'anuku is not selected in July. And ALB if Jordie is rested

4 Go to comments
TRENDING
TRENDING Finn Russell apologises for role in incident that broke female rugby fan's wrist Finn Russell apologises for accidentally breaking female fan's wrist
Search