In December nine former professional players in their 30s and 40s, most diagnosed with early-onset dementia, launched legal proceedings against World Rugby and other governing bodies. "Progressive Rugby passionately supports the core physicality of an 80-minute game of rugby and that extends to tackling in schoolboy rugby," the organisation said in a news release. Progressive Rugby sent an open letter to World Rugby chairman Bill Beaumont demanding that more should be done to protect the rugby-playing community from the dangers of injury. The group also calls for a minimum three-week "return to play" protocol period after a concussion and mandatory comprehensive screening. "Clearly these members of our rugby family love the game and want it to be the best it can be," World Rugby said.

Source: Otago Daily Times February 18, 2021 00:22 UTC