The figure is likely to send shock waves through the sport, which is already embroiled in a legal fight over the link between concussion and early onset dementia and which is scrambling to find ways of reducing incidences of concussion in matches and training at all levels.
The study is a continuation of research made by the same organisation into neurodegenerative risk among former professional footballers and players and also found similarities with the NFL. The findings come against the backdrop of a group of almost 200 former players taking legal action against World Rugby, the Rugby Football Union and the Welsh Rugby Union.
"I think rugby could be speeding up this pace of change," he said. "I know it's tough to think about there being less rugby than more, but maybe you see better quality rugby, the players are less damaged and fitter.
Reuters Why am I not surprised?
reuters, Willie Stewart is not an expert in MND... 'The amount of data used was very small and results should be viewed with caution....We cannot assume that there is a similar risk in people who play recreational rugby, and the risk remains low...'
Surely boxing is the same?!