‘I had to stop to get my brain better’ - Former Leeds Rhinos star Stevie Ward on why he is quitting playing, aged 27

As the debate surrounding athletes and brain injuries – such as early onset dementia – intensifies, the talented back-row’s decision serves as a further warning.

Ward, who won two Grand Finals and a Challenge Cup with hometown Leeds, had not played since being concussed against Hull FC on February 2, the opening day of last season.

It was his second concussion in as many weeks and, despite seeing various specialists, the player was not able to return to action.

However, Ward’s brutal honesty about his symptoms and what led him to this courageous point where he quits the sport he loves, will leave questions about how such sports may need to adapt.

“It’s been a massive decision and one I’ve probably had time to come to terms with over the last year,” said Ward, who had been on the verge of England honours for most of his career only to see a series of other serious injuries cruelly leave him uncapped.

“The longer the concussion has gone on the longer it has been more likely that I am going to stop playing.

“I’ve had to choose to stop to get my brain better and to not further risk it. I can’t risk it.

“If I was to get better in the next few months I think the decision to come back and play as it stands now would be a silly one.

“So I have to get my health back first and foremost. It has been a really tough period as there’s not just the concussion but the idea that I’m leaving what has been my life; I’ve been at Rhinos since I was 12.”

Ward, who was not offered a new deal when his Leeds contract expired at the end of last season, explained the magnitude of his concussion issues while urging the sport to do more to protect players in the future.

“I struggle with migraines, dizziness, motion sickness, sensitivity to light and screens, short-term memory issues, slurred speech, and an inability to exercise or do daily tasks without irritating my symptoms,” said the player, who was just 18 when he started the 2012 Challenge Cup final for Rhinos at Wembley.

He added: “I love the game of rugby league. I’m immensely proud to have competed on some of the biggest stages next to childhood heroes and test myself to the absolute limit while feeling the incredible buzz from Leeds fans after being one myself as a youngster. I thank every player that I have played with and against, and I am especially grateful for the incredible friendships the sport has given me.”

A number of rugby union players suffering from early onset dementia and other brain injuries have already launched a legal case against various governing bodies, including the RFU.

Some struggling rugby league players are expected to follow suit and, though Ward is not thought to be one of them, he does hope more is done in terms of researching the effects the physical attributes of the sport can have on the brain having had “a glimpse into the scary world of neurological impairment.”

Witnessing former team-mate Rob Burrow be afflicted by motor neurone disease, too, Ward added: “I am left motivated to help get our sport to a place where it can ensure the players’ long-term safety whilst keeping the beauty and grit of the game.

“Of course, more research is needed. However, I believe that there is an element of laziness with just making this statement. It is now time to be asking and answering more specific questions.

“What will this research be? How will it be funded? How long will this new research take? And how do we focus our efforts in the meantime?

“The biggest question is what can be done to make things safer for our players now. We need to be more proactive and not rely on another generation of players to be guinea pigs for future research that will take years to give us the answers we need now.”

Ward, who will continue promoting mental health via his online magazine Mantality, scored 23 tries in 136 Rhinos games and was known for his fearless approach to the sport.

Support The Yorkshire Post and become a subscriber today. Your subscription will help us to continue to bring quality news to the people of Yorkshire. In return, you’ll see fewer ads on site, get free access to our app and receive exclusive members-only offers. Click HERE to subscribe.