South Africa Rugby urge former players not to suffer in silence
This article is written by Progressive Rugby
South Africa Rugby know of no reported cases of early onset dementia and probable CTE, but former Springbok Stefan Terblanche believes it’s likely head injury lawsuits are on their way. They can’t both be right so will players come forward now they’ve been asked to?
Physicality is a byword of Springbok rugby. They are known, loved and feared for it and as fans we have witnessed numerous bruising encounters over the years.
But as robust as their granite-like bodies are, their brains are no less at risk of harm than any other player, professional or amateur, so it was interesting that in August Clint Readhead, the medical manager at South Africa Rugby, confirmed he was aware of zero cases despite working closely with player associations MyPlayers and the retired players association The Legends.
Fans will reference Pat Lambie, a prolific talent whose career was cut painfully short by concussions but still only 32, while he may still suffer with lingering concussion symptoms, it’s unlikely he’s experiencing anything more sinister, and we all pray he never will.
Speaking to tv channel Carte Blanche, Readhead said: “If you are asking me if I am aware of any today, no I am not,” before adding: “that said, if there is a rugby player who has retired and is struggling with signs and symptoms of CTE, depression being one of the main ones, please reach out to us because we would like to know and we are willing to help.”
It was a wide-ranging and largely positive interview on player welfare, in which Readhead celebrates South Africa’s approach to concussion prevention, identification and management, the blue card concussion recording system, tackle height laws and education among coaches and referees.
But Readhead’s opening statement jarred with that of 37 times-capped Springbok Stefan Terblanche who presented at the World Rugby medical commission conference earlier this month, where he gave a fascinating insight into his view of his country’s rugby heritage and psychology.
Recounting playing on after being knocked out against the All Blacks in South Africa, he said: “Afterwards I had to be led off the field because I couldn’t find the tunnel. The stadium was a blur.”
It’s largely accepted that it was ‘just the way it was back then’ but asked by a member of the audience about head injury litigation in South Africa, Terblanche, who suffered half a dozen serious concussions he knows of, said: “I think it’s coming.
“If you look at the mass class action lawsuits in the Northern Hemisphere, I think it’s more than likely going to happen in South Africa.
“I know there are some players who are currently battling with head injuries after rugby. They are still under the impression they did it to themselves – they are still in that space.
“They’d rather sit at home and watch rugby and complain to their mates about being in a bad space.”
Terblanche said there was need to create a safe space for players to talk about issues, but seemed less sure that former big names would be forthcoming in empowering those struggling to feel they could do so. Will this see players continue to suffer in silence?
“I know there are some players who are currently battling with head injuries after rugby. They are still under the impression they did it to themselves – they are still in that space.”