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.
A number of former Irish rugby players have taken a case against the IRFU over claims they suffered serious brain injuries during their playing careers (via @IrishTimesSport) https://t.co/2Ek4Aff6EJ
— Irish Times Sport (@IrishTimesSport) July 27, 2022
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."
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.
'My world is falling apart': Wales rugby icon Ryan Jones reveals heartbreaking dementia diagnosis at just 41 and admits he is 'terrified' about the future https://t.co/m6CGZcYPwC
— MailOnline Sport (@MailSport) July 17, 2022
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."
