Former England captain Phil Vickery to donate brain for concussion study

Ex-England rugby leader Phil Vickery, diagnosed with probable CTE, has pledged to donate his brain to research and is part of a large concussion lawsuit.

Former England rugby captain Phil Vickery, a member of the 2003 World Cup-winning side, announced he will donate his brain for scientific study after being given a probable diagnosis of chronic traumatic encephalopathy. The 50-year-old, who also toured with the British and Irish Lions and earned 73 caps, is part of a lawsuit involving over a thousand ex-players accusing World Rugby, the Rugby Football Union, the Welsh Rugby Union and the Rugby Football League of neglecting duty of care.

Vickery has revealed thoughts of suicide but insists his contribution could aid research into neurodegenerative disease. He expressed that, despite his condition, he would repeat his rugby career and wants the sport’s suffering players helped. The legal action is at a critical stage, with many claims at risk of dismissal after the solicitor Richard Boardman was dismissed for allegedly misleading the court, and Senior Master Jeremy Cook has paused the strike-out decision. Another former teammate, Steve Thompson, has also been diagnosed with early-onset dementia and probable CTE.