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Rugby Players Embroiled in Class Action Lawsuit Over Concussion Injuries

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Over 1,000 rugby players, including a small number of Irish players, are suing governing bodies for failing to protect them from permanent injury caused by repetitive concussive and sub-concussive blows to the head. The lawsuit, led by Richard Boardman, claims that the governing bodies, including World Rugby Union, the Rugby Football League, and national governing bodies of England and Wales, have failed to take reasonable action to protect players. The class action lawsuit involves five Irish players, including former international David Corkery, who represented Ireland 27 times between 1994 and 1999, and England's World Cup winner Steve Thompson.

Key Takeaways:

  • The class action lawsuit involves over 1,000 rugby players, including a small number of Irish players, who are suing governing bodies for failing to protect them from permanent injury caused by concussion.
  • The lawsuit claims that the governing bodies, including World Rugby Union, the Rugby Football League, and national governing bodies of England and Wales, have failed to take reasonable action to protect players.
  • Richard Boardman is leading the lawsuit and claims that the governing bodies have not taken adequate measures to prevent concussion injuries.
  • Five Irish players are allegedly involved in the lawsuit, including former international David Corkery, who represented Ireland 27 times between 1994 and 1999.
  • Ex-international David Corkery had previously sought to take High Court action against the IRFU but decided to drop the Irish case this spring and is solely involved in the UK court action.
  • Mr Boardman is representing England's World Cup winner Steve Thompson, Alix Popham of Wales, and former All Black prop Carl Hayman among others.

Statistics:

  • Over 1,000 rugby players are involved in the class action lawsuit.
  • Five Irish players are allegedly involved in the lawsuit.
  • David Corkery represented Ireland 27 times between 1994 and 1999.
  • The lawsuit claims that the governing bodies have failed to take reasonable action to protect players.

Sources:

  • "Rugby players embroiled in class action lawsuit over concussion injuries," by Jamie McCarron, [No publication date provided]
  • "Ex-international rugby player David Corkery involved in concussion lawsuit," The Irish Independent, April [No date provided]

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