Former Great Britain center Garry Schofield has revealed he has been diagnosed with a brain injury, which will eventually lead to dementia.
The Rugby League Hall of Famer won 46 caps for Great Britain and played for Leeds Rhinos between 1987 and 1996, also appearing for the Hull and Huddersfield Giants during his career. He played on four Lions tours and captained Great Britain on 13 occasions.
Since his playing days ended, Schofield has worked in the media and also coached Huddersfield and Barrow.
Writing in his latest column for Total Rugby League, Schofield revealed he underwent several eye operations starting in 2019, which ultimately led to his removal.
However, he later suffered from “headaches, migraines, forgetfulness, anxiety and lack of concentration”, which he says ultimately led to him being diagnosed with brain damage in March 2023, which it has been kept secret until now.
While this could lead to dementia, the 59-year-old has chosen to step away from all his media duties and life around rugby league to prioritize health and daily life.
While Schofield detailed many of the difficult times he has already faced since his first eye problems, he also acknowledged in his latest column why he realizes it could be much worse – highlighting the ordeals endured by the late Rob Burrow .
“I was recently asked if I had seriously considered suicide. The answer is no, but I have very depressed moments where I wonder if I’m a burden and if my family would be better off without me. And then I get through it, but these moments worry me.
“I take medication daily, but life must go on. As I said, my issues date back to December 2019, and I realize, of course, that that’s when Rob Burrow received a much worse diagnosis than I did. Her story is devastating and it makes me realize that I am lucky in comparison.
Schofield took aim at key figures in Rugby League for the “sanitized” version of the sport they created, claiming “critical analysis has been driven out of English Rugby League by a governing body and clubs simply for the sake of reason.” selfish that they don’t. appreciate the scrutiny.
He also paid tribute to those he played and worked with, as well as fans and readers, before signing off for the final time: “Goodbye, Rugby League. It’s been quite an adventure!