In short:
Of 51 brains of former rugby league players examined, 31 were found to have CTE.
The disease was found in players in their 20s, 30s and 40s, from amateur to professional levels.
The findings were presented at the International Sports Concussion Conference in Melbourne on Tuesday.



I’ve heard this put forward before, about the protective equipment causing more harm.
Gridiron players will go for harder hits, because they have pads and helmets, resulting in more bouncing of the brain inside the skull.