A Welsh academic said that "multiple blows to the head from playing rugby may accelerate" brain aging and "potentially lead to early dementia," according to the BBC. Professor Damian Bailey carried out research on 280 current and retired players. The Int'l Rugby Board "already accepts there could be a link between repetitive head injuries and long-term problems." Bailey's work is "yet to be published but could be the first study suggesting a clearer link." The IRB said it would "not comment until the study is published while the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU), which issued guidance on concussion in September," said it plans to meet Bailey to discuss his research. Former Wales player Martyn Williams said, "The minute
you start thinking about how dangerous the sport is and how physical it
is, I think that's the time to stop. Only now I'm retired, I've looked back and I think to myself, 'What were you doing for 15 to 16 years?'" WRU Chief Medical Manager Prav Mathema said rugby is "not alone
in having to deal with concussion and has protocols in place -- which he
said is not the case in all sports." He said "a lot more research is needed and is interested in any work that could help make the game safer" (BBC, 11/18).
