French surgeon warns on rugby head injuries

Prof Jean Chazal said that the force involved in tackles and ‘hits’ in the game had now reached dangerous levels and rugby authorities had to act or more players would die from traumatic brain injuries.

He was speaking after a 21-year-old player died in the changing room during a pre-season game at Aurillac and a 17-year-old player died in bed at home in May after a game in Billom, Puy-de-Dôme.

Calling it a “combat sport,” he said rugby had to change or a player would die on the pitch.