Great Britain international reveals ‘scary’ diagnosis after shock exit

Former Great Britain forward Josh Jones has opened up on the “terrifying” reality of life after being diagnosed with chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) at just 31 years old.

The ex-St Helens star retired from the sport in 2023, but the physical toll of his career has cast a long shadow over his life away from the pitch.

Speaking in an emotional interview with BBC sports editor Dan Roan, Jones revealed the depth of his anxiety regarding the condition.

‘Scared the life out of me’

“It’s scared the life out of me,” the former Salford Red Devils captain admitted when discussing the prognosis.

CTE is a progressive brain condition often associated with repeated blows to the head and has become a major talking point in contact sports.

Jones was joined by his wife, Olivia, to explain the daily difficulties the family has faced since the medical verdict was delivered.

A heavy price to pay

Jones enjoyed a successful career, including a Grand Final victory with Saints in 2014 and international honours on the 2019 Great Britain tour.

However, the diagnosis has forced the 31-year-old to confront a starkly different future than he imagined upon hanging up his boots.

His revelation adds another powerful voice to the growing conversation surrounding player welfare and the long-term impact of high-impact collisions in rugby league.