This is an interesting situation. Most of the conditions are sadly ones which we can acquire naturally without playing rugby. Cause and effect is hard to prove, and negligence even harder.

Personally I would be surprised if negligence can be shown. However it does raise serious questions now when the science is seeming to indicate there might be an increased risk due to playing contact sport (and not just in rugby). Most team sports will involve the risk of physical trauma; I think sensibly it's about understanding the risks better and taking measures to mitigate them - which is what we've been seeing with the HIA and protocols introduced. Maybe more needs to be done.

You can also see the anger and frustration from the players' point of view.

That's the guy.

In Cudmore's case he was concussed in the Heineken cup semi final and failed his HIA, then the club doctor came back in and told him he needed to go back on because their second row had been injured. He got another bang and concussion. Four weeks later (after being unable to train) he played in the final and almost immediately clashed heads massively with Billy Vunipola and was badly concussed. He was ill for months afterwards and still suffers with cognitive problems.
The club doctor was clearly negligent and breached protocols - they now have neutral doctors. Expert witnesses (neurologists) were appointed by the French court and ruled that there was a case to answer.
That's a very specific case and he has evidence that protocols were broken and has medical evidence to show the direct effects.

Sheesh, I am genuinely shocked that was deemed acceptable and was allowed to happen.

It’s been confirmed this morning that Stevie Ward has retired from rugby league

Stevie Ward announcing his retirement from the sport and no mention of thanks to Sinfield or the Rhinos for the support they have given him.
He thanks all the players he has played with and against along with his partner but unless I`m missing something there`s no mention of the club which does seem odd.
Is he in a court battle?

It sounds like it doesn’t it. Hopefully we’ve read too much into it but seems strange. I think it would be rather unfair against the club if so. I fully feel very sorry for Steve he’s been a great player and a top top lad but I’d doubt he’s been treated in a way that’s lead to his retirement by the club. I hope he can secure his future in the sport I’m sure he would have great input on players welfare etc for the benefit of the wider game.

Rhino's posted that they will have a special 30 minute interview with Stevie Ward available to watch tonight from 7pm as he looks back on his career at the Rhinos following today’s announcement - on YouTube Rhino's page

Feel sick to my stomach that he's had to retire.

I really hope that we can keep him within the game as he seems such a humble down to earth young man and its a crying shame that he cant continue his playing career, though Im sure it wasnt an easy choice to make, with the circumstances and ongoing fallout from these debilitating concussions im glad that hes albeit reluctantly decided to give up the sport we all love and put his long term health first.

Gutted on fans level, but no surprise.
I'm actually not that gutted for him, as he has so much to offer in other things that he does. This game brakes players. Think we need to remember that when we are dishing out criticisms.....

Its a very sad end to a promising career , however i think its the right call its one thing coming back from reconstructed shoulder ops & knee ligament ops vmbut you cant & never should gamble with brain injuries.
Personally id love to see him as the Clubs welfare officer & Acadamy Mentor.

Agreed. The boys a class act...

I wish him well for the future in any job he does. If he takes legal action against the club that is his choice and it’s for Leeds their lawyers and insurance to defend their position.
The problem with Rugby League and our sport in general is we don’t take the lead in areas of players welfare. Having watched a lots of Rugby league over the years the same principle of hurting players has always been a legal way of stopping players. The number of head high shots is unbelievable in our game today to the point, one day a tackle will result in a death. The number of head high tackles in the last game against Catalans was disgraceful, we have two linesmen, a referee a video Ref and they miss more than they see. It’s become a situation in Union that one headshot you get a yellow card two and you receive a red card plus a long ban. Certain Catalan players can only tackle over the shoulder and above, it needs changing there should be no room in our game for head high tackles. The only way to stop it is to send off players. They will soon get the message.
Head high shots are illegal yet they are as common today as they were years ago. It’s time to come down high on the culprits and send them off.
Maybe taking legal action against the clubs for damages may be hard and expensive, but taking action against the referees will be a lot easier especially when they have to apply the laws to the game, they have TV refs to help, so it’s time everyone got their act together for the long term health of the players

Shame for Stevie but he is very sensible to think about his health first.

Hopefully a good rest and then if he does get the itch again why not consider playing at amateur level and see where that takes him.

Hopefully with the demise of the game's reserves league other players return to their roots rather than lose their interest in the game.

I think professional clubs have the ideal opportunity to strengthen their links with their local clubs and keep fringe players fit at the same time by registering players if they so wish.

He's a decent looking lad. I wonder if a media career might be an option.