"We believe up to 50 per cent of former professional rugby players could end up with neurological complications in retirement," said Boardman. "That's an epidemic, and whether you believe the governing bodies and World Rugby are liable or not, something has to be done to improve the game going forward." The initial 'test group' for the action - against World Rugby, the Rugby Football Union and the Welsh Rugby Union - are Thompson, fellow former England international Michael Lipman and former Wales No 8 Alix Popham. "How can a players' union receive 90 per cent of its funding from the employer/organisation that it negotiates with?" A World Rugby spokesperson said: "While not commenting on speculation, World Rugby takes player safety very seriously and implements injury-prevention strategies based on the latest available knowledge, research and evidence."

Source: Sky sports December 09, 2020 12:00 UTC