Skip to main content
Gifts from The Morning Star
International ex-pros plan legal action over brain injuries
Steve Thompson, who can't remember any of England's ’03 World Cup win, is among those planning to sue World Rugby, RFU and Welsh Rugby Union
England's Steve Thompson during the training session at Carisbrook in Dunedin, New Zealand in 2011

A GROUP of former international players are planning legal action against rugby authorities for negligence over brain injuries, the firm leading the case announced yesterday.

Steve Thompson, who says he cannot remember being part of England’s 2003 World Cup triumph, is part of a test group for a potentially much larger action along with former England player Michael Lipman and ex-Wales international Alix Popham.

The planned action is against World Rugby, the Rugby Football Union and the Welsh Rugby Union, for “failure to protect [the claimants] from the risks caused by concussions.”

The 95th Anniversary Appeal
Support the Morning Star
You have reached the free limit.
Subscribe to continue reading.
More from this author
Fulham's Tosin Adarabioyo celebrates scoring the equaliser o
Men's football / 4 December 2021
4 December 2021
Solanke's 16th of the Championship season cancelled out by Tosin's late header, as visitors suffer another torrid second half
Bournemouth's Dominic Solanke (left) and Millwall's Murray W
Men's football / 25 November 2021
25 November 2021
Rowett disappointed to not take all three points as Solanke's 15th of the season was cancelled out by Benik Afobe in a dominant second half
Nu Civilisation Orchestra in full swing
Music Review / 21 November 2021
21 November 2021
DAN NOLAN thoroughly enjoys a flawed but heartfelt rendition of the politically charged song cycle, performed by an exciting jazz orchestra that’s bursting with talent
Luton Town manager Nathan Jones
Men's football / 20 November 2021
20 November 2021
Lack of composure 'cost us the game,' Nathan Jones says
Similar stories
15/04/25 of Scottish swimmer Archie Goodburn,
2026 Commonwealth Games / 25 June 2025
25 June 2025
England's Ellis Genge (left) reacts following the Men's Six
Men's Rugby Union / 28 February 2025
28 February 2025