World Rugby’s brain health service finds 25% of ex-players ‘at risk’ of problems

New service refers quarter of those seen for treatment.

The brain health service was launched by World Rugby last year to provide aftercare and is available free of charge to any retired player who played elite rugby in Ireland, Australia, Wales, South Africa and New Zealand. Pic: Mark Kolbe/Getty Images

A significant number of former elite players who have participated in World Rugby’s new brain health ­service programme have been identified as being “at risk” of cognitive problems in later life.

So far 131 former rugby union players have registered to take part after last April’s launch, although only 65 have completed the process. Of those, one quarter were referred for specialist treatment. The service is not designed to provide a diagnosis, only to provide a risk assessment for former players.