Devastated fans react to former Wales captain Ryan Jones, 41, saying his ‘world is falling apart’ after dementia diagnosis
This article is by Progressive Rugby
Since the story broke about former Wales captain Ryan Jones suffering with early onset dementia there has been an outpouring of sympathy, disbelief, anger and confusion.
These are just some of them.
That’s a tough read. Hard as nails player . A tough future with a lot of help required. Hoping he gets it. The hard side of rugby - Mark Hunter
Devastating news - RWC2003 winner Neil Back
Heartbreaking. Rugby is better than this - Jason Sherer
Dreadful. Every parent who has a son/daughter playing rugby should be asking what the governing bodies are doing to keep their kids safe. Using humans as battering rams has to stop - Lee Ross
This is terrifying, a father that is now concerned about how he’ll cope with the rest of his life. AT 41!!!!!!!!!! - Steven
Wow. This is so sad and is evidential that rugby seriously needs to crack down on the height of tackles and concussions - Matt Galbraith
I’m so sorry to hear that. He was a great player and leader. I’m thinking of you Ryan - James O’Kane
This is heartbreaking. Such a lovely, intelligent and talented man. The game has to change and we have to change our demands on the players. It’s a game, not war. No one should suffer long term brain damage as a result - Alyson Twyman
So sad. Much concern for others - Simon Fowler
This is sad and shocking, younger than me at 41! I hope you get to have many more good times with your family Ryan, you have a lot of love around you - Joanne Butler
So sorry to hear this Thinking of Ryan, his family & friends xx - Amy #ProtectTheProtectors#OneRugbyFamily
A great player, captain, leader, warrior, gentleman, icon and role mode. My sympathies to him and his family with this news. Forever a great in welsh rugby - Michael Jones
Tragically sad...God bless him.. - Vanguard
Such terrible news, and the reason every parent, coach, medic, club and nation must put player welfare above all else.- Ged Murphy
Jesus wept, this is awful - Simon Bourke
This is so sad. Such a wonderful player in his prime and humble individual throughout. Much love to him and his family. However, how many more tragic stories like this need to be told before rugby truly accepts there is a problem and drastic action needs to be taken... - Doug Likes C4
Omg. That's such a huge shock - Craig Stephenson OBE
Having cared for someone with dementia, I know first hand the impact this has on the individual and the people around them. All the best to and his family. World Rugby needs to get its act together and sort this out! - Rugby Volunteers
Absolutely heartbreaking and horrifying news and a massive wake up call to the game's rulers to take head trauma in the game seriously. Alas this summer's tests between SH & NH teams have shown they are a million miles from doing so at the moment - Wales@TheUnitedNations
Absolutely awful news. Great player, great man - John Pickering
This has broken me tonight - Cardiffrugby
Shocking news! - Craig Minto Chalmers
This is so heartbreaking amazing player and man. Hope he gets the help xx - Becky
So so sad. What horrible news - John McAllister
Horrible. Utterly horrible. Thoughts are with him and his family. I hope these new concussion rules are effective. No sports worth shortening your life for - Carwyn J. Thomas
Incredible player, person and all round nice guy, gutted to be reading this - Gary Thomas
Bloody hell. This is awful - TokenUkranian
This is a tough one to swallow - D
Gutted. Such a great player and Captain, and a down to earth humble person - Peter Hopkins
Wow. Words are hard to find with this - Paul Hughes
So sad a great player. Thoughts with Ryan and his family - Paul O’Keefe
This is devastating news. 41 is way too young. I'm absolutely stunned - Chunkeh Munkeh
Dreadful news sending best wishes Ryan and his family can’t believe how many are coming down with the condition - Robert Crowley
Awful news. One of the nicest blokes you’ll ever meet, so unfair - Huw
“This is a tough one to swallow.”