:quality(70)/cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/X6RVTVVG775D57AUDPC5XIW3YA.jpg)
Rugby could be set for a landmark legal battle, with 70 former players reportedly ready to sue various world unions over health problems they have suffered as a result of head injuries.
Reports in The New Zealand Herald and The Daily Telegraph suggest 70 former players from around the world have asked a British law firm to act on their behalf.
The group, which includes former Rugby League players, are suing unions over the cognitive issue they have faced resulting from concussions.
41-year-old Carl Hayman, who won 41 caps for the All Blacks, confirmed to The New Zealand Herald he is one of the players who has been in touch with lawyers.
:quality(70)/cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/6F6EKNFNZROBHTEE6UCNVQVC2Q.jpg)
:quality(70)/cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/YMGPCOV2RGM5J6DYEN6TZOOQCA.jpg)
:quality(70)/cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/K7YFFA6TKN2SIILQTQHAUM5V2A.jpg)
:quality(70)/cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/2MS7G2P53YAFT23WOUMFGHX7EA.jpg)
The former Kiwi prop, who also played for Newcastle and Toulon, said: “From what I understand, it’s a pretty ever-growing list of [players]. I think it’s going to be something quite substantial that’s going to come from it.”
The law suit would be a first for rugby. In American Football, the NFL agreed a €765 million settlement in 2013 after 4,500 former players sued the league, accusing it of concealing the dangers of concussions.
:quality(70)/cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/IMNWKIX5DFFCFE5CD5NLBU6EVY.png)