Steve Thompson, a notable Rugby World Cup winner for England in 2003, has candidly stated that he would not permit his children to play rugby, attributing his stance to the negligence displayed by the sport's governing bodies concerning player safety, particularly regarding head injuries. Thompson himself is suffering from early onset dementia, a condition he links to the reckless training regimes and the lack of awareness around concussions during his playing days.

Reflecting on his experiences, Thompson describes how training in the early 2000s frequently involved intense physical exertion, including upwards of 100 scrums, with little regard for player safety. He recalls instances where players knocked out during training were simply sidelined rather than being given proper medical attention, showcasing a troubling culture within the sport at the time.

As part of a legal battle against rugby authorities, Thompson is involved in a concussion lawsuit in which the sport's officials deny any liability. While he wishes to avoid court proceedings, his fight highlights the urgent need for reform in how rugby handles player health and safety, particularly concerning long-term effects of concussions in the sport.