Helpline for pro rugby players to raise player welfare concerns should be investigated
This article is written by Progressive Rugby
Former Scotland flyer Rory Lamont thinks governing bodies should investigate whether a helpline should be set up to aid player welfare .
Lamont who played for Glasgow Warriors, Sale Sharks, RC Toulon and won 29 Scottish caps said:
“Players are short-sighted, they can’t see past the next game. They are terrified about losing their spot in the team which is not good for their career or contract negotiations.
“So having a way players can speak out when coaches are taking liberties with your or your teammate’s health is definitely worth looking at.
“There is a long life to live post-rugby and nothing matters more than your health. When I was in a dark place, I would have given all my money and all my caps to get my health back.”
Lamont, whose older brother Sean said lacked the “self-preservation gene,” experienced 20 visits to the surgeon, a dozen knockouts and dozens of concussions where he remained dazed but conscious.
In March 2008 England visited Murrayfield in the Six Nations. After 21 minutes Lamont raced onto a ball as it slid across the greasy surface. He and England fullback Iain Balshaw arrive at the same time.
Viewers wince as his head collides full tilt with Balshaw’s knee. Lamont is given oxygen on the pitch and taken to hospital where he would have metal plates inserted in his face.
It’s only later that the Scots triumphed 15-9.
“After you have had a concussion, you are definitely more susceptible to another,” Lamont says.
“After 2008, I got one in training with Toulon, and I genuinely had no idea why I was in France.
“Then I went to Glasgow Warriors and was playing Edinburgh at Murrayfield when I was knocked out going for a high ball. I was so confused as to why I was wearing a Glasgow shirt because I thought I still played for Toulon and had no memory of moving to Scotland.
“On both occasions it took about 30 minutes for my memory to return, and it was a clear sign some damage had taken place and was pretty scary.”