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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Sport
PA Media and Guardian sport

Former Wales forward Andrew Coombs diagnosed with dementia at 39

Andrew Coombs Dementia Wales Rugby the Six Nations World Rugby
Andrew Coombs
Andrew Coombs was diagnosed eight months ago. Photograph: Stu Forster/Getty Images

The former Wales forward Andrew Coombs has said he has been diagnosed with dementia and probable chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) at the age of 39.

Coombs is one of the 295 retired rugby union players who have brought a legal claim against three of the sport’s governing bodies alleging they sustained brain injuries during their careers. The former Newport back-row, who won the Six Nations in 2013, issued a lengthy statement on social media.

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