Leading surgeon calls for rugby union to act to protect players from concussion

'Rugby was just hoping that everything would be all right on the night. Rugby has to take this very seriously – and it will'

A leading surgeon wants action to protect players from head injuries. Picture: Richard Sellers/PA

Rugby’s authorities have been urged to take pre-emptive action as they confront a lawsuit from nine retired professional players suffering with health problems caused by brain injuries.

Bill Ribbans, a leading orthopaedic surgeon and one of Britain’s top sports medics, believes the legal action being undertaken by players such as England’s World Cup-winning hooker Steve Thompson and former Red Rose flanker Michael Lipman is a “wake-up call” that must be heeded.