The Big Rugby Debate

The Big Rugby Debate

Bringing together influential voices from rugby, medicine, academia, and journalism.

Thursday 29th January 2026

A week before the start of rugby’s Six Nations championship, a panel of former players, coaches, and medical experts will debate some of the sport’s most contentious issues.

England World Cup Winner Steve Thompson and Wales Grand Slam Winner Alix Popham are to be joined by Kat Merchant, who won the Women’s World Cup with England in 2014, and by Professor Damian Bailey, Director of the Neurovascular Research Laboratory at the University of South Wales.

Also joining the debate will be the Director of Rugby at London Welsh, Cai Griffiths, and the CEO of Luca Health, Nick Greenhalgh.

The event will be hosted by the award-winning sports journalist and author of ‘Concussed’, Sam Peters.

There is so much noise and controversy surrounding player safety in rugby that we believe it’s time for experts to come together around the table to discuss the issues in depth, dispel the myths, and examine the evidence.

Please join us for an evening of open, honest discussion about head injuries, brain health, and the future of rugby.

When: 6:30 – 9:30 PM, Thursday 29th January 2026

Where: The Dragon’s Room at Old Deer Park, 187 Kew Road, Richmond, Surrey, TW9 2AZ

Rugby supper included. Reserve your seat on Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-big-rugby-debate-tickets-1976505579394