Head collisions may not be sole cause of dementia, World Rugby tells players

Depression, drinking and unhealthy eating all cited by experts but suggestion at odds with those who believe game is main cause

England's Steve Thompson

Current and former players showing signs of early onset dementia after repeated head impacts have been advised by World Rugby and several leading independent experts that 11 other factors including depression, excessive alcohol consumption or unhealthy eating could explain their deteriorating brain health.

World Rugby, in conjunction with the International Rugby Players association, has launched a global brain health education campaign in response to growing concerns over long-term player welfare which have prompted a legal case against the world’s governing body, the Rugby Football Union and the Welsh Rugby Union.