SOME memorable international matches, but 2021 proved a traumatic year for rugby.
While Covid disrupted sport worldwide, rugby faced its own crisis threatening its future. The early dementia damages claim led by England World Cup winner Steve Thompson, plus the Drake Foundation and University of South Wales studies provided damning evidence that modern players can suffer permanent brain damage.
With players that much bigger, stronger and fitter than their predecessors we now have unacceptable injury figures.
Misguided law changes, notably allowing tackled players to handle the ball enab...