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Chabal's Memory Loss, 62 French Caps, Highlights Rugby's Concussion Crisis and Safety Reforms

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Updated Apr 16, 2025, 12:54 PM

Former French rugby international Sébastien Chabal has revealed that he has no memory of any moment from his professional rugby career, including significant personal events such as the birth of his daughter. Chabal, who played from 1993 to 2014, earned 62 caps for France, and was known for his physical style, made these admissions in a recent interview. He has stated that he refuses to see a neurologist, saying his memory will not return. Chabal's case has raised concerns in France and internationally about player safety and the neurological risks associated with rugby. Other former players, including England's 2003 World Cup winner Steve Thompson, have reported similar memory loss. In 2020, more than 300 former rugby players filed a lawsuit against rugby authorities, alleging insufficient protection against head injuries. In response, rugby authorities have implemented stricter protocols in recent years, including mandatory removal from play for suspected concussions, a minimum 21-day rest period, and the introduction of smart mouthguards in 2024 to detect impacts. According to a study by the University of Edinburgh, lowering the legal tackle height could reduce head-to-head contact by 45%. The French Rugby Federation's medical committee president, Olivier Capel, has highlighted ongoing reforms and the need for post-career medical monitoring. The FFR reports an average of 13 concussions per 25 matches among professionals. These measures aim to address the long-term health risks faced by players like Chabal.

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#French #Sébastien Chabal #Chabal #France #England #2003 World Cup #Steve Thompson #University of Edinburgh #French Rugby Federation #Olivier Capel #FFR

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Sources

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