Former GB and St Helens forward Josh Jones diagnosed with CTE brain condition

Jones, 31, retired last year due to concussion-related issues.

Andy Hampson
Wednesday 31 July 2024 11:29 BST
Former Super League forward Josh Jones has been diagnosed with CTE (Martin Rickett/PA)
Former Super League forward Josh Jones has been diagnosed with CTE (Martin Rickett/PA) (PA Archive)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Former Great Britain forward Josh Jones has revealed he is suffering from the serious brain condition chronic traumatic encephalopathy.

Jones, 31, retired last year due to concussion-related issues shortly after being released by Betfred Super League side Huddersfield.

He had previously played for St Helens – with whom he won the Grand Final in 2014 – Salford and Hull.

CTE, which is thought to be linked to repeated head injuries and blows to the head, slowly gets worse over time and leads to dementia.

Jones posted on X: “My friends and family, after a challenging few months I wanted to share that I have been diagnosed with stage 2 chronic traumatic encephalopathy.

“The news has come as a shock for me and my family and has brought significant changes to my life and the lives of those closest to me.

“My family and I appreciate your support through this difficult period. Much love, Josh.”

Leyland-born Jones, who toured New Zealand and Papua New Guinea with Great Britain in 2019, made 283 appearances in his senior rugby league career.

He also had a short spell in union with Exeter.

He played just four games for the Giants in 2023 due to injury and stepped away from the game at the end of the season, beginning a new career as a financial adviser.

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in