FORMER England rugby star Phil Vickery has revealed that he likely has chronic traumatic encephalopathy.
Vickery, 48, played 73 times for England and helped them to World Cup triumph in 2003.
Chronic traumatic encephalopathy – CTE – causes the death of nerve cells in the brain and is commonly linked to repeated head injuries.
It can only be definitively diagnosed during an autopsy after death, although Vickery has had scans done to ascertain whether he has brain damage.
The former prop has revealed that he suffers from memory issues.
And speaking to The Times, he admitted: “I kind of knew before I’d even had the scan done.
“I said that to the guy: ‘I know something’s wrong with me’. I didn’t want to do anything about it.”
Vickery has joined a group of nearly 400 players, including former England team-mate Steve Thompson, taking part in a class-action lawsuit against World Rugby, the RFU and Welsh Rugby Union.
He added: “I don’t think that’s unreasonable. You know the classic response: ‘You knew what you signed up to’.
“Well, okay. I didn’t. I don’t remember talking about getting brain damage.
“It’s not about hanging the game out, it’s just about, ‘Right, so the reality is I could possibly be, in a few years’ time, not in a very good way, and will need help and care’.
“I’d like to think whoever’s around to look after me has got some money, instead of being a burden to my family or friends.”
Since hanging up his boots, Vickery has taken up bodybuilding.
Has has recently taken part in a TNT Sports documentary entitled “Unbreakable”, documenting the paths taken by England’s 2003 Rugby World Cup winners.
Vickery’s former team-mate Thompson, 46, has been diagnosed with early-onset dementia.
In the documentary, Vickery asked his old pal what he remembers of the 2003 World Cup.
Thompson replied: “It’s weird. There’s nothing there. I can’t even remember being in Australia.
“The whole lot is gone. And there’s nothing there. My life, everything around then, is just not there.”
