Another Rugby Player Advised To Retire

source

A few days ago there was an article regarding the rugby player Jean Luc du Preez. Jean is 30 years of age so he would normally have a good 2 - 3 years left in his career and has been advised on medical grounds to retire. He has suffered from some serious concussions and the last one occurred in January which has seen him miss the remainder of the season having been advised to take a break.

This happened playing for his new club Bordeaux in France where he managed to play just 3 games this season. The club president has come out saying he thinks it is a good idea to retire because everyone is worried about his health. I think a normal person would take this advice seriously especially when you are still so young and have your whole life ahead of you. Not everyone is normal however and they believe they know better. When rugby people are discussing your health one should take notice.

Concussions are serious because it is a hidden injury that was never taken too seriously until recently. The problem is the amount of concussions and in Jean's case he has had many recently. These are not an injury like a broken leg or a pulled hamstring that you know will heal in a certain amount of time and can continue your career.

The treatment specialists advised was for him to take an extended break from rugby as there is no other treatment for brain injuries. The players response to everyone speaking about his injuries is that he has seen an improvement in his recovery and plans to attend pre season training next month. If your concussion was so severe you have been sidelined for 6 months then the brain may have healed, but the damage or trauma is still there and has not disappeared.

I have been concussed before and to be honest I am not sure when they say they have seen an improvement in their condition. Headaches is probably what he is on about yet that would normally be sending you a clear warning to walk away whilst you still can.

The problem with having so many concussions you are not overcoming them as the damage is already there even if the symptoms aren't. These all add up like a bill until you cannot pay and it is then too late.

This player is an aggressive type of player so he is not going to change the way he plays and guaranteed there are more concussions coming his way. This for myself is like playing with fire as the final outcome is inevitable and others in the game would see this as irrational and reckless. When others are concerned for your health there is a reason they have fears and one would be stupid to continue.

The only solution Bordeaux have is to cancel his contract which is fair and reasonable under these circumstances. Ex players with neurological problems like dementia are suing the International Rugby Board in a class action law suit (300 players) stating they were not aware of this hidden danger. When you see players who have been advised to retire refuse and continue then you do wonder how many of the 300 had symptoms and ignored them.

I know boxing can revoke your license on medical grounds and rugby should have something similar in place. This is the second player I have read about that has gone against the advice of others. The first was Johnny Sexton who was advised in 2016 by specialists to retire and went on playing until 2023. The problem is players will hunt out a specialist that will give them a different opinion in order to continue playing.