Rugby chiefs warned over risk of NFL-like concussion lawsuit
RUGBY Union’s governing bodies could face multi-million pound lawsuits unless they step up efforts to minimise the risks of concussion, according to a leading British neuroscientist.
American Football’s NFL paid out £476m in a settlement to more than 4,500 former players who blamed dementia, depression and Alzheimers on concussion-related brain injury.
The International Rugby Board has denied allegations by its former medical advisor that it is not doing enough on concussion, but Birmingham University’s Dr Michael Grey believes governing bodies are at risk of being sued.
Dr Grey said: “Absolutely rugby union could face something similar [to the NFL] in the future.”