Study shows longer rugby careers lead to higher risk of brain injury

A study of former rugby players’ brains has found that those who played for longer timr were more likely to develop a degenerative brain disease.

21 out of 31 brains that were analyzed had evidence of a condition linked to repeated head injuries and concussion. Nearly two-thirds of those affected by chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) played at amateur level.

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CTE is a brain condition thought to be caused by repeated head injuries and blows to the head. If it goes worse over time, it can lead to dementia.

People who regularly play contact sports such as football, boxing, rugby and American football have a higher chance of developing it, post-mortem studies have shown.