A long-running legal battle involving more than 1,000 former rugby union and rugby league players has entered a critical phase after the lawyer leading the claim announced plans to withdraw from the case.
The lawsuit, which has been one of the most significant legal challenges faced by rugby’s governing bodies, centres on allegations that repeated head impacts during players’ careers contributed to serious neurological conditions later in life.
The latest development has cast doubt over whether the proceedings can continue as planned.
Former International Stars Lead the Action
The group of claimants includes several high-profile former internationals, among them England’s 2003 Rugby World Cup winners Steve Thompson and Phil Vickery.
The former players launched legal proceedings in 2020, arguing that the governing bodies failed to adequately protect athletes from the long-term risks associated with repeated head injuries.
Many involved in the case say they are now living with neurodegenerative illnesses they believe were caused by their playing careers.
Rugby Authorities Remain the Defendants
In the union case, the legal action targets World Rugby, the Rugby Football Union (RFU) and the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU).
Meanwhile, former rugby league players are pursuing claims against the Rugby Football League (RFL), alleging similar failures in safeguarding player welfare over head injuries sustained during their careers.
Lead Solicitor Signals Intention to Step Aside
The future of the case has been thrown into question after solicitor Richard Boardman informed the High Court in London that he intends to remove himself from the litigation.
Boardman, who has represented the claimants through his law firm Rylands Garth since the case began, confirmed in court documents that he had already started the process of stepping away from the proceedings.
His decision has raised concerns that the case could face significant delays or even risk being dismissed if a smooth transition to new legal representation cannot be achieved.
Years of Delays Have Frustrated Progress
Despite attracting widespread attention when it was launched six years ago, the lawsuit has made little visible progress.
Throughout the proceedings, Boardman has faced criticism over delays and concerns that sufficient documentary evidence had not been submitted to move the case forward effectively.
Reports suggest that a committee representing the former players recently voted in favour of seeking alternative legal representation, although Boardman has maintained that he has not abandoned the case entirely.
He has stated that he expects to remain officially on record for the time being while arrangements are made for a possible handover.
Leigh Day Emerges as Possible Successor
Law firm Leigh Day, which joined the case earlier this year as a legal consultant to Rylands Garth, is now being considered as a potential replacement.
The firm is currently carrying out due diligence to determine whether it can formally take over representation, subject to approval from the claimants.
Boardman has said he intends to oversee an orderly transition that will reassure both the court and the defendants that the litigation can proceed under new management if the change is approved.
Court Told New Representation Could Restore Confidence
Court documents accompanying the proposed change argue that appointing new solicitors would demonstrate the claimants’ commitment to addressing previous criticisms surrounding the handling of the case.
The filing suggests that a different legal team could provide both the court and the defendants with greater confidence in how the litigation is managed going forward.
Players Left Waiting for Answers
For the hundreds of former professionals involved, including Thompson and Vickery, the latest setback means continued uncertainty over a case that has already stretched on for years.
With no clear timetable for appointing new legal representatives or advancing the proceedings, the players remain in limbo as they continue seeking accountability and compensation for the long-term health issues they say were caused by their rugby careers.
