A study found degenerative brain disease in 31 former rugby league players.

What it means

Researchers have identified chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a degenerative brain disease linked to repeated head impacts, in 31 former rugby league players. This is one of the larger clinical studies to specifically examine living or deceased athletes from rugby league, offering direct evidence of a connection between the sport's contact nature and long-term neurological damage. The finding underscores ongoing concerns about player safety and may prompt further calls for rule changes or improved concussion management.

Accuracy & sourcesGrounded

The claim is based on a study reported by the ABC News Australia, a reputable secondary source. The article appears to be a faithful summary of the underlying research, though the specific methodology (e.g., brain tissue analysis after death or clinical diagnosis in living patients) is not detailed here. As a reputable secondary report, the core finding is likely solid but should be cross-checked with the original peer-reviewed study.

How new

The study was published on 2026-09-08, making this genuinely new research as of that date.

Go deeper

• ABC News Australia Report