Report says Australian study finds 31 rugby league players with brain disease CTE

A recent study has discovered that 31 rugby league players in Australia have been diagnosed with chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a degenerative brain disease, according to a report by the Australian Broadcasting Corp. (ABC). The Australian Sports Brain Bank, which conducted the research, found that players in their 20s, 30s, and 40s were affected by CTE.

Out of the 51 rugby league players whose brains were donated, 31 tested positive for the disease. The donors played at various levels of the sport, ranging from amateur to professional.

CTE has also been identified in former NFL players and others who participate in rugby union and other contact sports. Notable rugby league players identified in the study include NRL star Paul Green and Manly Sea Eagles player Keith Titmuss, who died at the age of 20 after a practice session in hot conditions in 2020. The ABC obtained the latest statistics, which were based on the first 150 brain examinations of individuals who played contact sports, completed at the brain bank.

Molecular biologist and data scientist Jennifer Cropley presented the findings at the International Sports Concussion Conference in Melbourne on Tuesday.

The conference reportedly barred reporters from attending, as noted by domestic media, including The Australian newspaper.