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<\/p>\nAndrew Coombs played 10 times for Wales <\/p>\n
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Former Wales forward Andrew Coombshas revealed he has been diagnosed with dementia and probable chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE).<\/p>\n
The 39-year-old, who won the Six Nations with Wales rugby in 2013, is one of 295 former players suing World Rugby, the Rugby Football Union (RFU) and the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) over neurological injuries, alleging they failed to put in place reasonable measures to protect the health and safety of players.<\/p>\n
Coombs, who retired in 2016 due to a knee injury, wrote on X\/Twitter that he was suffering from CTE symptoms for nearly four years before being diagnosed eight months ago.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe diagnosis was a heartbreaking one but it answered many questions that had been lingering in my mind,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cI do question those who were responsible for managing the health risks associated with repetitive head collisions and concussions. Some may not understand my decision to join the legal action and that\u2019s OK. Unfortunately I am currently unable to share my personal experiences that led to this decision, which might have provided more clarity.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhilst I am devastated by my diagnosis, my spirit remains strong and, in a strange way, the diagnosis has brought relief and clarity, as it has provided answers to many of my questions.\u201d<\/p>\n
World Rugby, the RFU and WRU said in a joint statement after Friday\u2019s hearing: \u201cPlayer welfare is rugby\u2019s top priority and will continue to be our top priority.<\/p>\n
\u201cRugby is committed to leading the welfare agenda in sport, driven by evolving science and research to protect and support players at all levels.\u201d<\/p>\n
London\u2019s High Court has adjourned the players\u2019 application for group litigation order (GLO) until next year.<\/p>\n