Former Wales international Alix Popham wants professional rugby players to have yearly brain scans so damage can be uncovered before it's too late.
The former back-row, who made 33 appearances for his country, was diagnosed with early-onset dementia and probable Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) two years ago. The 42-year-old is one of over 200 former stars involved in a lawsuit against the game's authorities and is a leading a group demanding better protection for current players.
Popham wants annual brain scans to be included in full fitness tests the game's professionals undergo to spot any other issues with their body.
"I know of current players who are worried so have been for a brain scan and are showing brain damage. They are still playing," Popham said speaking to the Daily Mail.
"I 100 per cent think annual brain scans should be introduced and should take place year-on-year from when they turn professional to when they go into retirement. At the start of pre-season each player gets a full fitness check-up on a whole host of issues, but the brain is ignored. It's shocking.
"I believe there should be an annual MOT for each player. It should include a brain scan and players shouldn't get their licence to play until it's passed. The reason I believe regular brain scans are not being done is because the game's authorities are worried about what will be shown on the scans of the brains of current players."
Popham was part of the Wales squad which reached the 2003 World Cup quarter-finals and scoring 37 points against mighty New Zealand line-up in Sydney, losing 53-37.
Despite the game being one of the biggest moments in the Welshman's career Popham has no recollection of the match. He puts that down to a combination of concussions and head trauma during his playing career.
“I only know that I played in the game because of television footage and the fact that I have Jerry Collins shirt hanging on my wall,” he told Progressive Rugby , a lobby group aiming to safeguard players in the sport.
"That shirt is very special to me for obvious reasons (Collins and his partner Alana Madill were killed in a car crash in 2015) but I don’t have any recollection of the actual game. It’s clear it was an incredible game, and I can only imagine that it was thrilling to be part of it, but the truth is I can’t remember it, and I accept that is hard for people to understand.
“In Wales most people would give their right arm to play for the national team. Imagine the frustration of achieving that dream and not being able to remember it, not being able to relive it when you are lying in bed at night."
