John Platts-Mills in the High Court as Rugby’s Concussion Trial Moves a Step Closer to Reality
A landmark case involving former rugby players suffering from neurological conditions linked to head injuries has taken a step forward in the High Court. The case, which includes 386 rugby union and 177 rugby league claimants, alleges that governing bodies, including World Rugby (formerly IRB), failed to protect players from the risks of repeated head injuries.
Senior Master Cook rejected a request from the defendants for independent neurological assessments before selecting test cases. Both sides must now choose 28 players each, which will ultimately be narrowed to 21 test cases, representing the different neurological conditions, playing eras, and levels of participation among the claimants.
The lawsuit hinges on whether the claimants can prove negligence on the part of rugby’s governing bodies, including what measures should have been implemented to protect the players.
This case will have major implications for player welfare in contact sports, influencing future concussion protocols and safety measures.
John Platts-Mills is being led by Susan Rodway KC and Shaman Kapoor of 39 Essex Chambers.
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