Rugby's concussion lawsuit grows again as lawyers representing former players argue game's authorities have their 'heads in the sand'
The lawyers representing ex-players suing rugby's authorities for alleged negligence have accused the sport's authorities of putting the game at risk by 'burying their heads in the sand.'
On Monday, legal firm Rylands Garth confirmed more than 500 further former professionals from both rugby codes have joined the litigation.
Rylands say they now represent in excess of 1,000 ex-players from across rugby union and league who are now suffering with brain injuries and neurodegenerative diseases. Mail Sport understands more than 700 of those are from union.
The former players involved in the case argue that rugby's governing bodies failed to take reasonable action to protect them from the impacts of concussive and sub-concussive blows during their playing careers, despite knowing the risks.
In union, claimants are seeking compensation from World Rugby, the Rugby Football Union and the Welsh Rugby Union.
'This surge in claimants exposes the deep-rooted issues in rugby and the substantial impact the negligence of authorities has had on players,' Rylands said in a statement.
'Many of our players have seen their lives upended by the injuries they sustained during their careers, with little or no aftercare or support.
'If governing bodies continue to bury their heads in the sand, the very future of rugby is at risk. Players continue to play almost all-year round, with many elite players soon to embark on extremely physical summer tours.
'We will continue to fight for justice for those who gave so much to the game.'
May 30 marked the final opportunity for new players to join the long-running legal action.
Rylands also represent those who played football as well as rugby's two codes.
The next case management hearing in the rugby litigation is due to be held across two days in July.
Both sides have been asked to put forward suggestions for test claimants to the court who will then be used as case studies when the trial begins, potentially next year.
'Since the final sign-up deadline was set, we have been inundated with requests from concerned players and their families,' Rylands added.
'There is no doubt the number affected far exceeds even those we have issued proceedings for.'
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