Former Welsh Rugby Union Player and Head For Change Co-Founder; Alix Popham

Headfirst: A Concussion Podcast

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Welcome back to Headfirst: A Concussion Podcast! Today, we’re honoured to be joined by Alix Popham, a former professional Welsh Rugby Union player with an impressive career of over 350 club appearances and 33 caps for his country. Alix is a 2008 Grand Slam Winner and played in both the 2003 and 2007 Rugby World Cups, also claiming the Anglo-Welsh Cup. In April 2020, Alix was diagnosed with early onset dementia and probable CTE, stemming from multiple mild traumatic brain injuries sustained during his career. Now, Alix leads the Head for Change foundation, advocating for athletes and former players impacted by neurodegenerative diseases.

- Introduction

- Ruby Turning Professional, Increasing Demands and The Impact on Alix (3:05)

- Post Retirement and Symptoms of Early on Set Dementia & Probable CTE (7:32)

- Head For Change (12:40)

- The Numbers, Amount of Contact and Culture (13:02)

- Alix’s Concussions and Sub-Concussive Impacts in His Career (19:35)

- What Was the Process & How the Change of Culture (21:57)

- Alix’s Diagnosis and Day to Day Life (25:46)

- Possible Changes/ Solutions for the Kids Game (30:36)

- Criticism for Seeking Change (32:05)

- What is Head for Change (34:02)

Alix Popham:

- https://headforchange.org.uk

- Twitter/X: @AlixPopham and @Head4Change

- Skysports “Rugby Concussions: Turning The Tide” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WH9SbsTfuTM

Previous Episodes Discussing Probable/ CTE and Dementia
Episode 25 With Dr Rowena Mobbs
Episode 48 With Dr Helen Murray
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