Ryan Jones, the Grand Slam-winning captain of Wales, has disclosed that he has been given an early-onset dementia diagnosis.
The former lock and back row player claimed that in December 2021, he was also given the probable diagnosis of chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE).
Specialists told him he was one of the worst cases they had ever seen, and as a result, he has now joined a legal lawsuit against rugby’s governing organizations.
Jones, 41, earned three more British and Irish Lions caps in addition to his 75 Wales caps.
“I feel like my world is falling apart,” Jones told the Sunday Times.
“And I am really scared. Because I’ve got three children and three step-children and I want to be a fantastic dad.
“I lived 15 years of my life like a superhero and I’m not. I don’t know what the future holds.
Before quitting playing in 2015, Jones led his nation 33 times, including the 2008 Grand Slam-winning squad.
After retiring, he accepted the position of Welsh Rugby Union performance director, however he left the position in October 2020.
