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'Multiple concussions' forces France lock Willemse to retire
Paul Willemse retired due to health concerns after six concussions and a thigh injury that caused him to miss the 2023 Rugby World Cup, prioritizing long-term well-being.
- Paul Willemse, a 32-year-old lock who represents France internationally and was born in South Africa, has decided to end his rugby career promptly due to suffering multiple concussions.
- Willemse ended his decade-long career after successive head injuries forced him out of action since October 2024, following a thigh injury that sidelined him for the 2023 Rugby World Cup.
- He was capped 32 times for France, crossing the try line twice, played a key role in France’s unbeaten success in the 2022 Six Nations, and has made more than 170 appearances for Montpellier since transferring there in 2015 from Grenoble.
- Willemse revealed on social media that ending his rugby career due to repeated concussions was the most difficult choice he has faced and admitted that envisioning life after the sport was a daunting prospect.
- His retirement highlights growing concerns over concussion risks in rugby amid ongoing legal cases involving hundreds of players accusing governing bodies of inadequate protection.
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The former second line of the XV of France and Montpellier officially declared his sports retreat on Monday. At 32 years old, the Franco-South African who has no longer trodden the grounds since October 2024, pays a succession of concussions.
·Paris, France
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Without a club since this summer, Paul Willemse, who hasn't played for almost a year, formalized the end of his career this Monday, September 15.
After several months of hoping for a recovery following a last concussion suffered a year ago, Paul Willemse resolved to stop his career, at 32 years of age. He formalized the news this Monday and explained to us the reasons for this choice made reluctantly.
·Boulogne-Billancourt, France
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Total News Sources23
Leaning Left4Leaning Right1Center5Last UpdatedBias Distribution50% Center
Bias Distribution
- 50% of the sources are Center
50% Center
L 40%
C 50%
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