Rugby Star Struggles with Dementia as He Battles Forgotten Career Episodes
Getty Images Alix Popham, a former rugby union player who had a 14-year professional career with the Welsh national team, has shared his struggles with early-onset dementia. He was diagnosed at age 40 by a neurologist and attributed it to over 100,000 sub-concussive hits sustained during his playing days.
Popham told Newsnight that while he still owns jerseys and medals as mementos of significant matches, he has no vivid recollection of the events or details associated with these games. He described sub-concussive hits as any impact where “your brain rattles around inside against your skull on every hit,” emphasizing that this occurs not only from head collisions but also impacts to the body.
Two former rugby professionals diagnosed with early-onset dementia are advocating for changes in how the sport’s governing bodies handle legal battles with ex-players. Over 560 players have filed lawsuits against these organizations, citing brain damage sustained during their careers. Popham highlighted that while he has tangible reminders of his past performances, the actual memories linked to them have faded away.
He shared an anecdote where he met Nelson Mandela before a game in South Africa but had no recollection of it due to suffering a traumatic brain injury and subsequent hospitalization during the event. Popham believes that such incidents contributed significantly to his cognitive decline, leading him to establish Head for Change, a charity focused on supporting individuals affected by sports-related brain injuries.
The Six Nations tournament is about to return with a new 20-minute red card punishment being trialed. However, Dr Willie Stewart, an expert on brain injury, has expressed concerns that this rule prioritizes the game’s spectacle over player safety. He argues that such short suspensions are inadequate for addressing dangerous tackles which could lead to brain damage.
Popham advocates for a six-to-eight-week suspension as a more effective deterrent and learning tool for players. This stance aligns with his broader concerns about how seriously rugby prioritizes the welfare of its athletes compared to other aspects of the game.
Mel Popham, Alix’s wife, spoke about her husbands declining health following his diagnosis. She recounted having to make a difficult decision regarding family planning and mentioned that watching her partner “falling apart” was particularly challenging for both herself and their daughters.
Reflecting on the impact of injuries sustained during his career, Popham expressed regret over not heeding warnings about brain damage earlier in his life. He urged players to be more honest with coaches and physiotherapists when experiencing symptoms like seeing stars after collisions or sustaining head trauma.
Alex Simpson-Daniel, another former player diagnosed with early-onset dementia at 43, shared how the condition led him to attempt suicide twice before finding support through Head for Change. He highlighted his struggles with depression and memory loss as part of his journey toward better health management.
In response to these concerns, World Rugby has stated that player welfare is their top priority. They have implemented a 20-minute red card suspension trial in an effort to balance game safety with fair play. The organization also emphasized its commitment to following scientific consensus and continuously evolving medical protocols aimed at safeguarding players.
As the rugby community grapples with these issues, ongoing research into head impacts and their long-term effects continues to shed light on potential solutions for mitigating player risks in one of the world’s most popular contact sports.
