The High Court has been informed that hundreds of claims within rugby's multi-million-pound concussion legal action should be dismissed. Players from both codes allege that the authorities neglected to implement necessary safeguards against the repercussions of repeated head impacts.

World Rugby, the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU), Rugby Football Union (RFU), and Rugby Football League (RFL) deny any breach of duty to protect players from injury. Lawyers representing these governing bodies contend that the claims should be thrown out due to undisclosed documents related to the neurological testing process, arguing this constitutes a violation of a 2024 court order.

During a hearing on Wednesday, the lawyers stated:

• Dismissal of 132 claims against rugby league bodies and 378 claims against rugby union bodies is warranted due to non-compliance.
• Michael Kent KC, representing the governing bodies, remarked that dismissing the claims is a “measure of last resort,” emphasizing ongoing non-compliance.
• William Audland KC highlighted the systemic nature of the non-compliance, urging for claims to be dismissed.

Conversely, Susan Rodway KC, representing the players, argued that the breaches were not severe, stressing the significant public interest in the litigation. She warned that dismissing claims on procedural grounds would be “highly undesirable” for many former players.

The case has faced ongoing disputes over the sharing of former players' medical records since its initiation in 2020. In a recent development, Richard Boardman, representing the claimants, announced his intent to withdraw from the case.

Judge Senior Master Jeremy David Cook expressed frustration over the slow progress of the litigation, urging for expedited proceedings. Notable former players involved include Steve Thompson, Mark Regan, Phil Vickery, and several others from Wales. The proceedings are set to continue on Thursday morning.