{
  "id": 6367242,
  "title": "Report says Australian study finds 31 rugby league players with brain disease CTE",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/09/report-says-australian-study-finds-31-rugby-league-players-with-brain",
  "topic": "science",
  "section": "Science",
  "published": "2026-09-09T01:53:02.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Associated Press",
    "slug": "associated-press",
    "url": "https://apnews.com/article/cte-australia-rugby-league-035e2409955cb074ac54ff13f21ffcdc"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "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.\n\nCTE 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.\n\nThe conference reportedly barred reporters from attending, as noted by domestic media, including The Australian newspaper.",
  "summary": "SYDNEY (AP) — A study has found 31 rugby league players in Australia have been diagnosed with the degenerative brain disease chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), the Australian Broadcasting Corp. reported. The…",
  "key_points": [
    "31 rugby league players diagnosed with CTE in Australia",
    "Australian Sports Brain Bank conducted research",
    "Players affected in their 20s, 30s, and 40s"
  ],
  "editors_take": "The study's findings suggest that CTE is a significant risk for rugby league players across various levels of the sport, affecting those in their 20s, 30s, and 40s.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Winnipeg Free Press",
        "title": "Report says Australian study finds 31 rugby league players with brain disease CTE",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/09/report-says-australian-study-finds-31-rugby-league-players-with-brain-6368289",
        "published": "2026-09-09T01:31:42.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}