World Rugby Denies Liability in Ex-Players' Concussion Lawsuit

Rugby's governing body fights concussion claims

World Rugby files defence in UK High Court, denies liability for neurological injuries allegedly caused by repeated head blows in rugby union.

“World Rugby denies that the claimants - or any of them - suffered any injury as a result of any ⁠breach of duty by World Rugby...”

World Rugby is fighting back against lawsuits from nearly 800 former rugby union players who claim they suffered neurological injuries due to the sport. The governing body argues that injuries are a “foreseeable and inherent risk” of playing rugby, and they're denying liability.

In their defence filed at London's High Court, World Rugby stated that physical injury, including head and brain injury, is a risk players voluntarily accept when they participate in the game. They're also disputing that they knew about the link between non-concussive head acceleration events and neurological injury.

The case, which began in 2022, has faced delays, including issues with disclosing the claimants' medical records. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for next month.

The lawyers representing the claimants argue that repeated concussive and sub-concussive blows have led to severe neurological conditions, and they're accusing the governing bodies of neglecting their duty of care by failing to protect players from these risks.

World Rugby, along with the Rugby Football Union and the Welsh Rugby Union, has denied liability, filing a written defence at London's High Court, which was made public on Friday. They claim injuries are a “foreseeable and inherent risk” in rugby, and players voluntarily accept this risk when participating in the sport.

“World Rugby denies that the claimants - or any of them - suffered any injury as a result of any ⁠breach of duty by World Rugby, as alleged or at all,” their lawyers said.

The defence states: “It is denied that rugby union carries with it a 'likelihood' of head and brain injury.

"It is admitted that physical ‌injury, including head and brain injury, is a foreseeable and inherent risk in the sport of rugby union, and that all those who participate in the game voluntarily accept this risk.”

World Rugby is denying claims that they were aware of any established science linking non-concussive head acceleration events to neurological injuries. They're sticking to their position that injuries are an inherent risk in rugby, and players voluntarily accept this risk.

The lawyers representing the claimants argue that World Rugby, along with the Rugby Football Union and the Welsh Rugby Union, owed duties of care to players and failed to protect them from risks associated with head injuries. This case is part of a larger lawsuit involving nearly 800 former players.

World Rugby is denying claims that they were aware of established science linking non-concussive head acceleration events to neurological injuries. They're sticking to their position that injuries are an inherent risk in rugby, and players voluntarily accept this risk.

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The lawyers representing nearly 800 former rugby union players argue that World Rugby, the Rugby Football Union, and the Welsh Rugby Union owed duties of care to players and failed to protect them from risks associated with head injuries.

The latest preliminary hearing in the case is scheduled for next month. Meanwhile, the Rugby Football Union, the Welsh Rugby Union, and the claimants' lawyer haven't responded to requests for comment.

This case is part of a larger trend, with governing bodies for rugby league and soccer also facing similar lawsuits from former players.