“Take Concussions Seriously”
At 32, Toulouse scrum-half Alexis Balès has decided to hang up his crampons. If concussions weren’t the sole cause of his decision-making, they were. But in this case he also appeals to everyone’s responsibility.
Why did you decide to end your career?
It was time! I experienced a lot of strong moments that I would never have imagined. I won the Brennus and the European Cup with Stade Toulousain (2021, Ed). It was the Grail. I also had in mind my post-career project, namely setting up a wine and champagne agency. I started rugby at 5 years old. I wanted to do something else.
The workouts are also increasingly intensified. Even though I’m still young and on my own two legs, it was getting harder and harder to maintain a certain level. I had major shoulder surgery. I have all my head. However, I had quite a few concussions at my three clubs. That was one of the reasons I quit. When I returned to the field, I wondered if I was going to knock myself out. So I was starting to lose that carefree attitude that I had before.
Top-level sport is about details. If you’re not totally involved, it’s complicated to perform. We discussed with Toulouse so that I stop before the end of my contract. I hardly played the last six months. They trust the youngest behind Antoine Dupont. I can understand it. But going back to a season and training hard to watch my friends was not my intention either.
“We are followed by neurologists at the start of the season”
What is your opinion on these concussions which multiply?
This is a subject that must be taken seriously. The instances have even evolved over a number of years. We are regularly monitored by neurologists at the start of the season. We take stock of our concentration and our brain. Personally, I am in good health. But the shock from concussions can be traumatic for weeks and even months.
I realize that I have faults of concentration, of immediate memory. Is it due to these concussions, it’s complicated to determine. I am not a doctor or a neurologist. This is why we must accompany those who have concussions on the ground.
“We are professionals and masters of our bodies”
Do you think that certain positions are more exposed and conducive to concussions?
Playing scrum half, I was less prone to contact than the forwards. But we are always brought to tackle. It can happen very quickly. And even be anodized as a shock. That’s not why a virulent contact is going to cause you to have a concussion. It can be a misplaced header on contact, playing bad luck and taking an opponent’s hip or knee…
180 former players have attacked World Rugby for their inaction against concussions, what do you think?
I have a little trouble with that. When I started more than ten years ago, we were not followed at all in relation to concussions. It has changed a lot. The clubs are paying more and more attention. They don’t hesitate to give us another week off if we don’t feel 100%. You also have to be responsible for yourself.
It’s hard for a doctor to know if you have a headache or if you’re not well. It is up to you to feel if you are able or not to find the ground. We are professionals and masters of our bodies too. Attacking our clubs, our doctors, our authorities, I don’t know if it’s the right approach. Afterwards, I didn’t have a lot of after-effects either. Maybe that’s why I react like this.