Captain of English rugby league side Leeds Rhinos, Stevie Ward, has been forced to quit the sport over serious issues caused by concussion.
The 27-year-old loose-forward has won two Super League Grand Finals with the club where he made his debut as a teenager in 2012 but he only made one appearance last term and was out of contract in the close season.
Ward, who suffered a concussion on January 19 and again on February 2 of last year, confirmed the news on Tuesday in a statement in which he also describes some of the very worrying symptoms that led to his decision to retire prematurely.
"I struggle with migraines, dizziness, motion sickness, sensitivity to light and screens, short-term memory issues, slurred speech, and an inability to exercise or do daily tasks without irritating my symptoms," Ward said in the statement.
"I love the game of rugby league. I am immensely proud to have competed on some of the biggest stages next to childhood heroes and test myself to the absolute limit while feeling the incredible buzz from the Leeds fans after being one myself as a youngster.
"I thank every player that I have played with and against, and I am especially grateful for the incredible friendships the sport has given me."
Up to ten rugby league players are understood to have approached Ryland's Law, the firm that launched a legal action on behalf of a number of rugby union players who have been diagnosed with brain injuries.
Ward is not one of the ten but he has already witnessed his friend and team-mate Rob Burrow suffering with motor neurone disease and he would like to see authorities take a more proactive approach with regard to head injuries and concussion issues in the sport.
"On the same day I was told about Rob (Burrow's MND diagnosis) I was made club captain, and I was immensely motivated to do 2020 for Rob and get the Rhinos back to lifting trophies for him," said Ward.
"I am proud the boys were able to do this, but I feel my purpose for that year took an unexpected direction. It was no longer about lifting trophies for Rob. It is now about having a glimpse into the scary world of neurological impairment and being another voice to help bring about the changes needed.
"With the news about Rob and the current climate of rugby union players, I cannot help but ask the questions that need to be asked.
"I am left motivated to help get our sport to a place where it can ensure the players' long-term safety whilst keeping the beauty and grit of the game."
