The multi-million pound brain injury lawsuits against rugby’s authorities have come under scrutiny after former England prop Will Green accused the lead solicitor of pressuring him to lie about having dementia.
According to a report by the Telegraph, during a recent court hearing, Green claimed solicitor Richard Boardman’s firm, Rylands Garth, tried to coerce him into joining a “no win, no fee” legal action, despite contradictory medical evidence.
Green, who enjoyed a successful career with Wasps, revealed that Rylands pursued him for thousands in legal and medical costs after he refused to sign up. A judge ruled that Rylands misrepresented its services and described a letter of engagement sent to Green as “vague, muddled, and highly confusing.”
Green told the court that despite a second brain scan at Harley Street contradicting an earlier diagnosis of “early-onset dementia,” Rylands continued to press him to join the lawsuit.
“I feel pretty abused by them,” Green said. “How can you sign up for a group litigation concussion case without the knowledge that you’ve got brain damage?”
Despite notifying Rylands of the conflicting medical opinion, Green claimed the firm sent multiple emails pressuring him to sign up. The court found that Rylands failed to prove the reasonableness of its medical and legal costs, having billed Green £5,500 for tests that cost only £1,600 at Harley Street—tests offered free through the RFU.
A spokesperson for Rylands defended their actions, insisting their engagement letter was clear and had since been revised. The firm represents nearly 300 former players, including World Cup winner Steve Thompson, in a lawsuit that alleges head impacts during their careers have led to brain injuries.
However, Green’s testimony has raised questions about how Rylands recruits vulnerable players, with Green accusing the firm of breaching the Solicitors Regulation Authority code of conduct. “If others have been treated in such a way,” Green said, “I think it is alarming.”
Photo: David Rogers/Getty Images
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Src: sarugbymag.co.za
