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The IRFU face a case from former Irish players

The IRFU face a case from former Irish players

A number of former rugby players are taking a case against the IRFU in relation to serious brain injuries sustained during their playing careers.

According to the Irish Times, a Dublin based solicitors' firm - Maguire McClafferty - is taking the lawsuit on behalf of the unnamed players.

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Manus McClafferty, a senior partner with the firm, confirmed that Irish players are involved but would not state how many.

"I won't do that. That’s unwise," he explained.

"But I can tell you that proceedings are prepared and will, probably, be issued, I believe, by the end of September. I have them ready."

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Their action is separate to one being pursued in the UK.

Their claimants - including former Wales captain Ryan Jones - argue that the sport's governing bodies were negligent with their responsibilities in protecting players against harmful injuries.

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Speaking to the Sunday times earlier this month, Jones said: "I feel like my world is falling apart.

"I am really scared because I’ve got three children and three step-children and I want to be a fantastic dad.

"I lived 15 years of my life like a superhero and I’m not. I don’t know what the future holds.

"I am a product of an environment that is all about process and human performance. I’m not able to perform like I could, and I just want to lead a happy, healthy, normal life.

"I feel that’s been taken away and there’s nothing I can do.

"I can’t train harder, I can’t play the referee, I don’t know what the rules of the game are anymore."

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