England World Cup winner Phil Vickery pledges to donate brain for concussion research
Former England rugby captain Phil Vickery has pledged to donate his brain for research into the damage caused by head injuries having been diagnosed with probable chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE).
Vickery, part of the side that won the 2003 Rugby World Cup, was given a probable diagnosis two years ago, though CTE – believed to be caused by repeated brain injuries – can only be confirmed after death.
The 50-year-old is part of the concussion lawsuit involving more than 1,000 players that accuses World Rugby, England’s Rugby Football Union (RFU), the Welsh Rugby Union and the Rugby Football League of failing in their duty of care to protect those involved in the game.
Vickery, who toured twice with the British and Irish Lions and won 73 caps for England, has admitted he has considered taking his own life but wants to ensure his brain can be used to further research into neurodegenerative diseases.
“Is that gonna make someone stand up?” Vickery said in an interview with The Observer. “I don’t know. What a horrible thing to say. But what does it have to take?
“With the knowledge that we have now, it makes you wanna cry. Because it’s f****** awful. Brain injuries are with you all the time, 24/7, 365 days a year, and it weighs heavy, and it grinds at you all the time. It won’t beat me. You know, I keep going.”
Vickery retired in 2010 having captained England at the 2007 World Cup four years on from starting the final win over Australia.
Steve Thompson, another member of that side, has been diagnosed with early onset dementia and probable CTE, and has said that he has no memory of the World Cup win.
The lawsuit has reached a key juncture with hundreds of cases at risk of being struck out due to a failure in disclosure and an allegation that the solicitor who had led the case, Richard Boardman of Rylands Garth, had provided “misleading evidence” to the court. Boardman’s representation has now been terminated by the claimants.
Senior Master Jeremy Cook has reserved judgement on the strike out decision.
Despite his brain injuries, Vickery insists he would still do his career all over again if given the choice.
“The sport’s f****** amazing. Rugby’s an amazing sport. You know, the sad reality is I sit here today – would I do it all again? Oh my God, I would. I’m f****** mental, but I would because it’s amazing,” he said.
“I also sit here knowing there are lots of people out there, I believe, who are suffering because of the sport. And it’s not about blaming the sport and about getting all nasty and horrible. Let’s just f****** help people. There are people suffering, so let’s help them.”
If you are experiencing feelings of distress, or are struggling to cope, you can speak to the Samaritans, in confidence, on 116 123 (UK and ROI) or visit the Samaritans website to find details of your nearest branch.
