Ian Smith has labelled Carl Hayman’s diagnosis of early onset dementia and chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) at age 41 as a “sad outcome”.
Hayman retired in 2015 after an illustrious career with the All Blacks, Toulon, Highlanders, Newcastle Falcons and Otago, making 45 appearances at an international level and over 400 in first-class rugby.
Smith sympathised with Hayman and other players who are experiencing similar symptoms such as headaches and nausea, however admitted he wasn’t sure what more could be done to protect players playing the sport of rugby union.
“It’s hugely sad this outcome and there’s no doubt another very public point to add to the debate,” Smith said on SENZ Mornings.
“Authorities are fighting just as hard to protect the game and its participants.
“Doctors with a sidelines presence which is obvious, HIA (Concussion Assessment), the tests continue to increase on a game-by-game basis. Stand down time is common, monitoring and improving all the time.
“What more can the authorities do? The game is what it is and always has been.
“There’s always room for tweaking, just as there’s always room for choice (to play the game).”
Listen to Smithy's Sermon below: