RUGBY'S 'DEMENTIA' DEATHS: 3 THIS YEAR

Tighten rules, urge campaigners

- MIKEY SMITH

THE deaths of three ex-rugby union and league players who were pursuing concussion court cases have prompted fresh calls for the sport's rules to be tightened.

Anthony Hodge, formerly of union side Pembroke RFC, died aged 73 in January.

Ex-England rugby league player Peter Glynn died aged 71 the same month.

So too did Malcolm Alker, former captain of league team Salford Red Devils, who was just 45.

All three were pursuing compensation claims and lawyers say their deaths are believed to be linked to head trauma suffered during their playing days.