CTE's Unwelcome Visitors Down Under A recent study by Australia's Sports Brain Bank has found that 31 rugby league players, many in their prime, have been diagnosed with chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) after death.
This is not surprising, given the established link between repeated head trauma and brain degeneration.
Rugby league, like other contact sports, may seem relatively safe due to its emphasis on speed, agility, and fluid tackling.