Risk is mostly a subjective judgment. For anyone scared of heights, even standing near a cliff-edge railing can feel daring. For others there is nothing to beat the surge of adrenaline that precedes a freefall parachute jump. Both are entirely legitimate human reactions. And, ultimately, who is to say that one is more rational than the other?
Until recently it has been worth recognising this whenever rugby’s future is being discussed. Then you switch on the television and watch Head On: Rugby, Dementia and Me, featuring Steve Thompson. A 2003 World Cup winner, still only 44, struggling to recall his daughter’s name and sifting through a boxful of mementoes from games which are a complete blank. For those of us who have known, liked and respected Thommo over many years it was heartbreaking.
