MAILBAG BETFRED
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otalrl.com
29th September 2025
PROTECTING PLAYERS
Reading the letter from Ian Swire (Mailbag 22 September) expressing his serious concerns about the issue of concussion management practices in Rugby League, I would like to add my experience.
Just a week ago the New Zealand Rugby Foundation supported by World Rugby, in collaboration with the University of Auckland, published the results of extensive research which proved a significant link between head knocks and concussion with early-onset dementia.
The serious risk of cognitive impairment for those men after playing the game at the highest level increased to 22%, compared to a risk of around 2% of those in the general population aged up to 69.
Working as a volunteer supporting the local Alzheimer's Society in the East Riding, I am increasingly aware that those people with this degenerative disease are now being diagnosed earlier in their lives, with some having been involved in contact sports, including rugby.