LeagueNews.co | Jess Malloy
A legal battle is brewing in the world of rugby league as 125 former players who have been diagnosed with brain injuries are taking action against the Rugby Football League, the British Amateur Rugby League Association, and International Rugby League.
Rylands Garth, a law firm, will be leading the charge on behalf of the players who have been diagnosed with conditions such as early onset dementia and chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE).
This case echoes a similar legal dispute in rugby union.
Richard Boardman of Rylands emphasizes that this legal action is a matter of "life and death."
The players argue that the sport did not adequately protect them from the repetitive concussive and sub-concussive blows they endured throughout their careers, and they are seeking damages as a result.
Rylands is also representing over 300 rugby union players in a separate case that has already begun in June.
Now, the three league bodies mentioned in the legal action will be facing their own court battle as proceedings have been officially served.
Among the players involved in this group are former Great Britain half-back Bobbie Goulding and former Super League forward Nick Fozzard.