Adam HughesImage source, Getty Images
Image caption, A string of "high profile" players are set to join Adam Hughes in legal proceedings against rugby authorities

Rugby authorities are being sued by more former British and Irish Lions.

More than 200 male and female players are taking part.

When the names were revealed, people would be shocked, according to a former rugby player with early-onset dementia.

World Rugby, the Welsh Rugby Union and the Rugby Football Union want to support all players.

"You're going to be shocked at some of the players on the list when it becomes public," said Mr Woodard.

The UK players are talking about the British Lions.

There are players on that level, big names, who are part of the proceedings at the moment, which is a terrible shame as they are struggling as well.

Lenny Woodard as a young player
Image caption, Mr Woodard won five Wales Rugby League caps and played for the Wales union team on their 1998 tour to South Africa

Ryan Jones, a former captain of the British and Irish Lion and Wales team, was diagnosed with early-onset dementia.

Steve Thompson and Alix Popham are former internationals.

The other former professionals contacted Mr Woodard because they were suffering with memory loss.

The former dual-code pro said he knew of at least six players from the 1990s who were struggling with memory loss and needed medical help.

He said that he had former players who were afraid to come forward because they didn't want their employers to know they were in trouble.

They don't want their employers to see them in a bad light because they are struggling with their everyday lives, and they have worked hard to get where they are.

There's a lot of players who are struggling.

Media caption,

His dad has dementia.

Rugby's governing bodies are accused of not protecting players from injury.

Legal proceedings have been issued for about 160 players, with more expected next year, according to solicitors.

About 20 of the 235 ex-professionals have publicly disclosed their diagnoses so far, according to Richard Boardman.

Mr Boardman said it was the biggest legal action of its kind outside the United States, where the National Football League has paid more than $600 million to former players who developed dementia or concussion-related problems.

Mr Woodard said he had been thinking about how his physical style of play might have caused injuries.

He said that he wasn't the most talented, but that he would give it his all.

I was as aggressive as they were, but never wanted anyone to get hurt.

He recalled a match against Bonymaen where he accidentally caught a player with a high shot, which caused a concussion.

"He's been diagnosed with early onset dementia, and now I've seen the other side of the coin, I feel a little bit responsible for that," he stated.

"He's been nice about it, but that thought process that I may have contributed to that and it's concerning."

Ryan Jones with the 6 Nations trophy after during the RBS 6 Nations match at the Millennium Stadium, Cardiff. Picture date: Saturday March 15, 2008.Image source, PA Media
Image caption, Former Wales captain Ryan Jones is part of the legal claim

Mr Woodard was concerned about the number of brain injuries in amateur sports.

The decision to remove players from a match is made by medical professionals.

He said that a medical professional shouldn't die for the cause, but for the team, because ultimately we might see someone die for the team if these situations aren't managed well.

The challenge for World Rugby is to cater for all players of all levels.

Peter Rogers, a former Wales international prop who is currently studying for a masters degree in dementia studies, said that when he played there was a poor injury culture.

"I had two broken bones in my hand, and I refused to play and train with this injury, and I was ridiculed by management and some former team mates," Mr Rogers said in a radio interview.

The group of players are litigating about the injury culture and whether or not they were treated fairly.

According to a joint statement, World Rugby, the WRU and the RFU received notification requesting an extension to the court deadline to provide full details of players' claims.

They are "saddened by the brave personal accounts" of those who are struggling.

Rugby is the most progressive sport on athlete welfare.

Rugby is a leader in the prevention, management and identification of head impacts and World Rugby funds transformational research, embraces innovation and explores technology that can make the sport as accessible, inclusive and safe for all participants.

Rugby provides lifelong health and wellbeing benefits for participants at all levels.

Millions of current and former players love it.

The specifics of the legal action were not commented on by World Rugby, the Wru and the RFU.

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