Former Wales Forward Andrew Coombs Reveals Dementia Diagnosis

In a long social media post, 39-year-old former Wales forward Andrew Coombs revealed that he was diagnosed with dementia as well as probably chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE).

Coombs is now going to join the nearly 300 players who have sued three rugby governing bodies – World Rugby, England’s Rugby Football Union (RFU), and the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) – over neurological injuries. The lawsuit alleges a failure in putting in place “reasonable measures” to protect the health and safety of players.

“Eight months ago, I was diagnosed with Dementia and probable Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE), after suffering symptoms for around four years,” Coombs wrote in a statement released on social media. “This first came to my attention whilst featuring on a live episode of Scrum V Sunday, where discussions around CTE symptoms resonated with me deeply.

“It was a challenging decision to seek medical advice. However, understanding the changes happening within me became imperative. The diagnosis was a heartbreaking one, but it answered many questions that had been lingering in my mind and worrying me for so long.

“The changes put significant strain on my marriage and happiness. Sharing this news with my children was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done. The reality of my health situation is difficult to accept, and I didn’t want this diagnosis to become my identity, as my knee injury did back in 2014.”

While hopeful to join medical drug trials to help treat the condition, Coombes said that the diagnosis has helped his family understand the reason behind some behavioural changes, and has helped him prepare for the future. He added that while rugby has made strides towards the safeguard of players’ health, there is “much work to be done”.

Legal Action

He added, “I do question those who were responsible for managing the health risks associated with repetitive head collisions and concussions. Some may not understand my decision to join the legal action, and that’s okay. Unfortunately, I am currently unable to share my personal experiences that led to this decision which might have provided more clarity.”

Among other former players in the process of suing the governing bodies Mark Regan and Phil Vickery, members of England’s 2003 World Cup-winning team; their names were made public on Friday 1 December. On the same day, a judge ruled that the claimants will need to wait until next year for their application for a group litigation order (GLO) to be determined.

A joint statement released on Friday by World Rugby, RFU and WRU reads, “Whilst today’s case management hearing was necessarily about legal process, we must not forget about the people and players at the heart of this case.

“Legal action prevents us reaching out to support the players involved, many of whom are named publicly for the first time today. But we want them to know that we care deeply about their struggles, that we are listening and that they are members of the rugby family.”

Speaking about his diagnosis, Andrew Coombs added, “Whilst I am devastated by my diagnosis, my spirit remains strong, and in a strange way, the diagnosis has brought relief and clarity, as it has provided answers to many of my questions.

“I am trying to be myself as much as possible, enjoying life to the fullest, and not allowing my condition to destroy my mental health.”

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