Another talented rugby player’s career cut short by heavy blows to the head.
Jonathan Thomas is only 32-years-old.
At his age, given his glowing career with club and country, he should be preparing for his third World Cup.
Instead, he has retired from the game he loves due to a series of blows to the head that have had a drastic effect on his life.
Capped 67 times by Wales, which included Grand Slams in 2005 and 2008, Thomas has been diagnosed with epilepsy. It is believed the epilepsy was brought on from multiple head traumas incurred on the rugby pitch.
‘I’ve done everything in my power to keep playing,’ Thomas commented.
‘However, there comes a point when you realise you need to listen to medical experts and also do what’s best for your well-being.
‘I am keen to stress there are many different types of epilepsy, and I’m fortunate to only suffer from it in a mild way compared to some. Naturally though, it has proved too difficult to continue as a professional athlete.’
Thomas and Michael Owen (left) celebrate Grand Slam success in 2005.In a statement posted on Worcester Warriors’ website, Tomas said, ‘I’ve learnt a huge amount during the last few months about head trauma, seizures and epilepsy, and it would be great if I could help out in some way.
‘At the elite level of the game, I think the unions and medical departments of clubs do a great job and have a great understanding, but I still think it’s the players who need more educating about the warning signs and getting out of that ‘digging in’ mentality.
‘I must stress, however, in no way would I discourage anyone from playing the game that has given me so much. Also in no way do I regret anything about my rugby career, and I wouldn’t change a thing.’
Thomas wants to stay involved in the game ‘in some capacity’ and to pitch himself into charitable efforts involving head injuries.
The retirement of the Welsh and Warriors No.8 follows similar decisions taken by Rory Watts-Jones and Ireland prop Declan Fitzpatrick to walk away from the game after all too frequent concussions.
In the past two weeks, Wales have lost Leigh Halfpenny, Rhys Webb and Eli Walker to injury ahead of the World Cup.
Those players will, rightfully, feel unlucky at missing out.
For Thomas, though, this is journey’s end.
A new, stark journey is just beginning.
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