Over 1,000 Rugby Players Join Concussion Lawsuit Against Governing Bodies
The Spin
Narrative A
Day in and day out, Rugby players give their all on the field, while the suits leave them to languish from serious brain ailments. Instead of taking ownership of the impact of rugby on their conditions, the organizers have taken to blaming the players for the horrors of their conditions, including early onset dementia. These life-altering injuries must be taken more seriously.
Narrative B
While player concerns are real, it’s inaccurate to claim the rugby associations are ignoring them. The organizations have robust, science-led strategies to improve player welfare, involving independent researchers, clinicians, and players themselves. This research has already led to reforms like updated concussion protocols and trials of law changes to reduce head injuries.
Narrative C
When thinking about this lawsuit, it's important to remember the issue of sampling bias when it comes to athletes with head injuries. Those included are only those who are confirmed or suspected to have had concussions, skewing the perception of the safety of the sport. What's more, the law firm has been accused of trying to pressure healthy former players into taking part, giving this class action the air of a shakedown.