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Don't be a hero and risk brain injury, says ex-rugby star

Updated 1:20 PM ET, Thu October 29, 2015

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Former Wales rugby union international Jonathan Thomas was forced to retire from the game aged 32 after being diagnosed with epilepsy, thought to have been triggered by multiple head traumas.
Photos: Don't be a hero and risk brain injury , says ex-rugby star
Former Wales rugby union international Jonathan Thomas was forced to retire from the game aged 32 after being diagnosed with epilepsy, thought to have been triggered by multiple head traumas.
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Thomas represented Wales 67 times, playing in two World Cups and winning the Six Nations twice. He noticed something was amiss last season when he started getting mild seizures during training. There were accompanied by memory loss and personality changes.
Photos: Don't be a hero and risk brain injury , says ex-rugby star
Thomas represented Wales 67 times, playing in two World Cups and winning the Six Nations twice. He noticed something was amiss last season when he started getting mild seizures during training. There were accompanied by memory loss and personality changes.
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Thomas says the "gladiatorial" mindset of a player can mean they will do anything to get back on the pitch if they have suffered a blow to the head. "If you go off with a head injury sometimes you are worried your teammates are going to call you soft," he said.
Photos: Don't be a hero and risk brain injury , says ex-rugby star
Thomas says the "gladiatorial" mindset of a player can mean they will do anything to get back on the pitch if they have suffered a blow to the head. "If you go off with a head injury sometimes you are worried your teammates are going to call you soft," he said.
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There are strict rules in place to prevent players who have suffered a concussion, or a suspected concussion, returning to the field but many players will do all they can to return to the match. Thomas says he has been guilty of that in the past.
Photos: Don't be a hero and risk brain injury , says ex-rugby star
There are strict rules in place to prevent players who have suffered a concussion, or a suspected concussion, returning to the field but many players will do all they can to return to the match. Thomas says he has been guilty of that in the past.
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Concussion is a big talking point in rugby union. Reported incidents are up but the game's governing body, World Rugby, claims that is because diagnosis is better. Wales international George North was stood down by neurologists after suffering three heavy blows to the head over a short period o ftime and spent five months on the sidelines.
Photos: Don't be a hero and risk brain injury , says ex-rugby star
Concussion is a big talking point in rugby union. Reported incidents are up but the game's governing body, World Rugby, claims that is because diagnosis is better. Wales international George North was stood down by neurologists after suffering three heavy blows to the head over a short period o ftime and spent five months on the sidelines.
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World Rugby told CNN they review the laws of the game every four years but Thomas doesn't want there to be any tweaks to the rules. He is more concerned with educating players about the nature of head trauma and the risks of playing on.
Photos: Don't be a hero and risk brain injury , says ex-rugby star
World Rugby told CNN they review the laws of the game every four years but Thomas doesn't want there to be any tweaks to the rules. He is more concerned with educating players about the nature of head trauma and the risks of playing on.
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"Quite often, you come off the pitch at the end of the match after getting a big bang and you can't remember much about the game," Thomas explained. "Speaking to the consultant, it's that kind of thing that they are very keen to educate people on. What does the serious damage is when you get the trauma and continue to play."<br />
Photos: Don't be a hero and risk brain injury , says ex-rugby star
"Quite often, you come off the pitch at the end of the match after getting a big bang and you can't remember much about the game," Thomas explained. "Speaking to the consultant, it's that kind of thing that they are very keen to educate people on. What does the serious damage is when you get the trauma and continue to play."
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Thomas says he is most proud of his two Six Nations triumphs with Wales. The first, in 2005, ended a 28-year wait for the title. The second arrived in 2008.
Photos: Don't be a hero and risk brain injury , says ex-rugby star
Thomas says he is most proud of his two Six Nations triumphs with Wales. The first, in 2005, ended a 28-year wait for the title. The second arrived in 2008.
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Wales coach Warren Gatland said of Thomas upon hearing of his retirement: "No-one wore that Welsh jersey with as much pride."
Photos: Don't be a hero and risk brain injury , says ex-rugby star
Wales coach Warren Gatland said of Thomas upon hearing of his retirement: "No-one wore that Welsh jersey with as much pride."
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A former Wales rugby union star forced to retire due to a brain injury urges players not to subscribe to the macho culture in the game.