Irish rugby player to sue Sale Sharks for clinical negligence over concussion injuries that forced him to retire

Cillian Willis, an Irish rugby union player, is suing his former club Sale Sharks for clinical negligence after suffering two head injuries in a game in 2013 which forced him to retire.

Willis, who is a cousin of former Ireland rugby union captain Brian O’Driscoll, has claimed that two doctors working for Sale Sharks did not handle his concussion properly or safely after he was injured twice in a game against Saracens in the LV Cup on 10 March 2013.

Willis had to retire from the game a short while after the injury due to concussion at the age of 28.

The Irish Times has reported that the player received two head blows in the game against Saracens and was allowed to play on both times before being finally replaced.

Willis had already been concussed and treated by Sale doctors earlier that season and had a history of concussions. He has said that World Rugby and Aviva Premiership concussion guidelines were not adhered to by his doctors at Sale.

The case, thought to be the first of its kind, is not expected to be heard for at least 18 months. According to The Irish Times, Willis’ case is being handled by McHale and Co solicitors.

Mark Dugdale