Rugby’s long-running concussion lawsuit could be heading towards collapse after dozens of former players risk having their claims struck out.
The legal action, launched in 2020 against World Rugby, the Rugby Football Union and the Welsh Rugby Union, involves hundreds of former players alleging neurological damage caused by repeated head impacts during their careers.
However, The Telegraph reports that the governing bodies have now applied to have a significant number of claims dismissed after repeated delays in the submission of medical records and neurological test results by Rylands Garth, the law firm representing the players.
“In view of the continued failure to comply with the unless order made by the court, which required full and proper disclosure of relevant information related to the claim … the defendants have applied for a declaration that many of the claims are now struck out,” the unions said in a joint statement.
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“It is disappointing that despite repeated warnings from the court, Rylands Garth have still failed to comply with the terms of the court and the defendants have been forced to take this step.”
According to The Telegraph, the majority of claimants in both the rugby union and rugby league cases could potentially be affected.
The list of former players involved includes World Cup winners Steve Thompson, Phil Vickery and Mark Regan.
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The courts are reportedly growing frustrated with repeated extension requests from the claimants’ legal team.
At a High Court hearing in December, a judge dismissed arguments that gathering the required medical records was “impossible, onerous and costly”.
Another hearing is expected in late July, when a judge will decide whether further extensions will be granted or whether claims lodged before April 2025 will begin being struck out.
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