former wales rugby union flanker alex popham believes i union flanker alex popham believes players showingorced to retire. he is 42 and retired in 2011. two years ago, he was diagnosed with early onset dementia and probable cte, a progressive brain condition thought to be caused by repeated blows to the head. lawyers representing more than 185 former rugby union players including alex popper have begun legal proceedings against the governing bodies over brain damage suffered by the client. the sports authority say they care deeply about their players and say that they never it deeply about their players and say that tf to never it deeply about their players and say that tf to never they it ":7 vito identify and head injuries. speaking to some boys who are still playing _ injuries. speaking to some boys who are still playing or— injuries. speaking to some boys who are still playing or who _ injuries. speaking to some boys who are still playing or who have - injuries. speaking to some boys who are still playing or who have just - are still playing or who have just retired, from traumatic bra