Paris (AFP)
"The necessary protective measures in rugby are in place," said World Rugby President Bill Beaumont, who former players with dementia blame for a lack of protection for the concussions they suffered, in a letter published Thursday.
"We must not and are not inactive. We sponsor, fund and collaborate on many research projects that will benefit players of all levels," said the former England second line on the website of the international federation.
World Rugby and the England and Welsh federations announced on Thursday that they had received the letter sent by lawyers for eight former players in whom early signs of dementia and probable chronic traumatic encephalopathy - a brain condition due to shock that often progresses to neurodegenerative diseases - have been diagnosed.
These eight players, including hooker Steve Thompson, world champion with England in 2003 but who says he has "no memory", but also former England internationals Michael Lipman and Welsh Alix Popham, claim millions of pounds damages to the authorities, before possible collective legal action.
Six new retired players joined the proceedings on Thursday.
"I am personally committed to advancing the available science so that we continue to shape our understanding and approach to the protection and well-being of our players," Beaumont replies.
"Based on evidence, I believe that we are pioneers in the awareness, prevention and management of concussions in sport", underlines the former player of the XV de la Rose (41 caps in the 1970s and 1980).
"In professional rugby, the Concussion Protocol (HIA) combined with the comprehensive medical standards of competitions as well as the return to play protocol under medical supervision have transformed the identification, withdrawal and supervision of players with concussions," said congratulates Beaumont by stressing that other sports now follow the rugby "model".
At the amateur level, the Rugby Ready and Activate programs help better prepare players for training and matches, while the Recognition and Withdrawal app helps detect concussion symptoms, he lists.
"Any player suspected of having a concussion must be removed from the game. This decision should in no case be left to the player."
© 2020 AFP