The Growing Concerns Surrounding Safety in Rugby

A new BBC documentary, “Ben Youngs Investigates: How Safe Is Rugby?”, set to air on March 2nd on BBC iPlayer and March 3rd on BBC One, delves into the increasing anxieties surrounding concussion and long-term brain health in the sport. The documentary follows England’s most-capped men’s player, Ben Youngs, as he re-examines the game that has defined his life, prompted by former teammate Lewis Moody’s recent diagnosis of motor neurone disease (MND).

Lewis Moody on the Risks of Rugby

Lewis Moody, former England captain, acknowledges he was aware of the risks inherent in rugby throughout his career. “I do feel I was very aware of the risks rugby presented when you go and smash yourself into another human being week in, week out, day in and day out,” Moody stated in the documentary. Despite understanding the potential for injury and concussion, he maintains that the “reward and the joy of playing the sport far outweighed any of those” risks, adding he “would do it again.” He attributes much of his current quality of life – “the life now, the peace, the happiness, the family, the existence” – to his rugby career.

The Link Between Rugby and Neurological Conditions

The documentary explores the potential link between rugby and neurological conditions like MND and dementia. While there is currently no proven link between rugby and MND , the investigation highlights the experiences of several former players diagnosed with these conditions. Rugby league legend Rob Burrow died in June 2024 from MND. Scotland international Doddie Weir and former Springbok Joost van der Westhuizen also succumbed to the disease. Ed Slater retired in July 2022 after receiving an MND diagnosis.

Players Share Personal Struggles

Former England international Steve Thompson reveals he has no recollection of winning the 2003 World Cup, a symptom of his dementia. He describes his memory as having a “damaged SD card,” unable to retain experiences from that period. Thompson also shared his experience with suicidal thoughts following his diagnosis, recounting a moment at a train station where he contemplated ending his life but was dissuaded by his wife.

Alix Popham, a former Wales international, was diagnosed with early onset dementia in April 2020 and believes 80% of the damage occurred during training. Kat Merchant, an England World Cup winner, details her experiences with concussions, including one in 2013 that led to a seizure and ultimately forced her retirement. She described a period of intense sensitivity to light and sound, leading her to spend time in the dark.

Improving Safety in the Game

The documentary examines the measures being taken by rugby’s governing bodies to enhance player safety, including the implementation of new technologies and strengthened protocols. Youngs questions whether his generation contributed to the problem and explores the extent to which players are responsible for their own safety. Popham emphasizes the demand to prioritize safety, particularly in training, to ensure the game’s survival. Merchant hopes lessons learned from the men’s game will be applied to the rapidly growing women’s game.

“Ben Youngs Investigates: How Safe Is Rugby?” portrays a sport striving for change, recognizing the need for greater protection, ongoing research, and a commitment to the well-being of current and future players. Youngs believes that prioritizing these aspects is crucial for the continued success and longevity of the game.