New twist in brain injuries court case

LAWYERS representing hundreds of former rugby players who allege they have suffered brain injuries during their careers have lost a bid to challenge orders that could lead to their High Court claims being thrown out.

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A mix of professional and amateur players claim that World Rugby, Welsh Rugby, the Rugby Football Union, the Rugby Football League and the British Amateur Rugby League Association breached a duty of care to protect them from injury.

Lawyers for the players say they have suffered neurological injuries such as early onset dementia, Parkinson's, epilepsy and motor neurone disease because of repeated blows suffered throughout their sporting lives.

They argue that the governing bodies had the knowledge and resources to understand the likelihood of brain damage, but did not take steps against this or inform the players. Each of the governing bodies denies wrongdoing