Rugby authorities urged to cut out contact training to reduce the risk of Motor Neurone Disease

Study found that ex-rugby players had more than twice the risk of a neuro-degenerative disease, and a 15-times higher risk of a motor neurone disease diagnosis.

CAUSE AND EFFECT: Players push in a scrum in the Six Nations.

RUGBY authorities have been told they should look to eliminate contact training and reduce rather than expand the global calendar after a study revealed concerning evidence of considerably increased risk of motor neurone disease among former players.

A study led by the University of Glasgow looking at former Scotland internationals - from both the amateur era and later professional players - found ex-rugby players had more than twice the risk of a neuro-degenerative disease, and a 15-times higher risk of a motor neurone disease diagnosis.