Rugby League Icon Garry Schofield Discloses Brain Damage Diagnosis

Garry Schofield, a former centre for Leeds Rhinos and Great Britain, who was a player for Leeds Rhinos for nine years between 1987 and 1996, has disclosed that he has received a diagnosis of brain damage. The 59-year-old, who accumulated over 250 appearances for Leeds and also played for Hull FC and Huddersfield Giants, announced this information in his concluding column for the Total Rugby League newspaper, external. Schofield, who registered 31 tries in 46 international appearances for Great Britain, is withdrawing from his media commitments within the sport due to his health status. He stated that he was diagnosed in March 2023 and is expected to eventually develop dementia. Schofield had an eye surgically removed in September 2022, an event which he attributes to causing “headaches, migraines, forgetfulness, anxiety and lack of concentration, all of which led to my brain damage diagnosis”. On X, external, Leeds Rhinos expressed their respects for Schofield, who was a player for the Headingley-based club from 1987 to 1996. “Sad news about Leeds Rugby League Hall of Fame member Garry Schofield OBE this morning. Our thoughts are with Garry at this tough time,” the club commented. Following his retirement as a player, Schofield has served as a pundit and columnist for various broadcast and print media organizations.