Melbourne: Ex-cricketer Will Pucovski takes legal action against former school over concussion
Former Test cricketer Will Pucovski has initiated legal proceedings against his former school, Brighton Grammar, regarding a concussion he sustained during an Australian rules football training session in 2014. The lawsuit, filed in the Supreme Court of Victoria, alleges that the school’s handling of the incident contributed to a series of career-ending concussions that ultimately led to his medical retirement from cricket at the age of 27.
Pucovski’s legal team claims that during the May 2014 training incident, he was struck in the left temple by a teammate’s knee during a sling tackle in a full-contact drill, resulting in him being knocked unconscious. The coach reportedly instructed students to be aggressively physical and to “go in hard” against each other during the session. This directive followed a significant loss to Scotch College the previous weekend, with students allegedly warned that the session would be particularly physical.
Allegations of Protocol Failure
After regaining consciousness, Pucovski was assisted off the oval but reportedly returned to the field for the remainder of the session after the coach allegedly inquired if he could participate in the next drill. Pucovski’s lawyers allege that the coach lacked appropriate accreditation or training for junior amateur AFL players and failed to arrange a medical assessment or treatment for him. The school is also accused of being vicariously liable for an alleged breach of care by not informing Pucovski’s parents of the head collision.
In the days following the collision, Pucovski experienced headaches but continued attending school. A general practitioner diagnosed him with concussion three days later. His condition reportedly worsened after he acted as a runner for a Brighton Grammar seconds match that weekend, leading to increased headaches and nausea. A doctor subsequently advised him to cease all physical activity and remain home from school for six weeks for recovery.
The legal claims assert that the 2014 injury resulted in a traumatic brain injury for Pucovski, along with vision problems, persistent migraines, and mental health issues, including OCD and anxiety. Pucovski later described suffering long-term concussion-related symptoms, such as fatigue, headaches, and motion sickness, following his retirement.
The writ claims that the school was “grossly” in breach of its duty of care and demonstrated “a high-handed, contumelious and callous disregard” for Pucovski’s safety after the incident. Brighton Grammar headmaster Ross Featherston stated that the coach is a “highly regarded and experienced teacher” at the school, but declined further comment due to ongoing legal proceedings.
Career Interrupted by Injuries
Pucovski’s cricket career was marked by numerous head injuries, with reports indicating he suffered 13 documented concussions. He was considered a significant batting talent in Australia, making his first-class debut for Victoria in 2017. He accumulated 2,350 runs in 36 first-class matches, including seven centuries and nine fifties. His performance in Sheffield Shield cricket led to an Australia call-up.
In January 2021, Pucovski made his Test debut against India at the Sydney Cricket Ground, scoring 62 in Australia’s first innings and sharing a 100-run partnership with Marnus Labuschagne. However, he sustained a shoulder injury while fielding during that match, causing him to miss the series-deciding Test. This was one of several physical setbacks he encountered, with concussions becoming a recurring issue.
His final serious concussion occurred in March 2024 while playing for Victoria in a Sheffield Shield match, when he was struck on the head by a delivery from Tasmania fast bowler Riley Meredith. This injury ultimately led to an independent medical panel recommending his retirement from professional cricket at the age of 27.
Pucovski has openly discussed the profound impact of repeated concussions on his daily life, noting struggles with fatigue, headaches, motion sickness, and difficulties concentrating on things to his left. He described how these symptoms affected his relationships and ability to perform routine tasks, stating that his fiancée was “annoyed because I didn’t contribute to chores” and that he was “sleeping a lot.” He acknowledged the difficulty of the decision to retire, especially after dedicating his life to reaching the international level, but prioritised his health to avoid further brain damage.
The legal action against Brighton Grammar highlights the critical importance of concussion management in youth sports, with the lawsuit alleging that the initial injury left Pucovski particularly vulnerable to subsequent head trauma.
Source: theguardian.com
