RUGBY faces a dementia “epidemic” among retired professionals unless there is serious reform of the game, the lawyer leading an action against the sport’s authorities has warned.

Richard Boardman, who is representing an initial group of seven players including 2003 England World Cup winner Steve Thompson, says that doing nothing is not an option.

As reported in today’s Morning Star, Thompson, 42, has been diagnosed with early onset dementia and says he has no recollection of his part in England’s glorious campaign in Australia 17 years ago.