A rugby legend. A dementia diagnosis. And the game that failed him - The Sunday Story

A rugby legend. A dementia diagnosis. And the game that failed him - The Sunday Story

Author: The Times May 3, 2026 Duration: 38:22

At his peak, Carl Hayman was widely regarded as the world's best tighthead prop. Then, in 2021, at just 41, he was diagnosed with early-onset dementia and probable CTE, a disease he believes was caused by the sport he loves, and one that has torn his life apart. In this intimate and devastating interview with David Walsh, Carl describes what happened, what he’s doing for the players who come after him, and what concussion means for rugby’s future. 


The final part of a two-part special investigation into the crisis facing this global game. You can listen to part one here.


This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: http://thetimes.com/thestory


Guest: Carl Hayman

Host: David Walsh, chief sports writer, The Sunday Times

Producer: Sophie McNulty

We want to hear from you - email: thestory@thetimes.com


Read more: Two best friends, two suicides. How did rugby let this happen?

Further listening: Can rugby survive its head injury problem?

Photo: Getty Images.

This podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here.


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.


Each morning, The Story arrives with a clear purpose: to move beyond the headlines and explore the forces and people shaping our world. Guided by the experienced reporting of Manveen Rana and Luke Jones, this daily podcast from The Times delves into the most significant political developments and news events with a level of depth and context that only their global network of journalists can provide. You’ll hear more than just summaries; you’ll get a nuanced understanding of why a story matters, who it impacts, and what might happen next. The analysis is sharp and the storytelling is compelling, designed to fit into your morning routine seven days a week. It’s a direct line to the frontline reporting and editorial expertise of one of the world’s most respected news organizations. This consistent, in-depth approach makes the podcast a reliable resource for anyone looking to truly comprehend the day’s events. Supported by readers of The Times and The Sunday Times, the production maintains a commitment to journalistic integrity and thorough exploration, ensuring every episode provides substance and clarity.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 108

The Story
Podcast Episodes
An almighty student debt reckoning has arrived [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:49
The Times’ Money desk has been investigating the UK’s student debt system – and has discovered some bombshells. After being promised a loan that would be like paying a ‘phone bill every month’, graduates are weighed down…
Drugs, oil and power: what Trump is doing with Venezuela [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 34:31
It’s almost six weeks since America launched military strikes against Venezuela and captured its President over claims the country was flooding the US with drugs and migrants. But was this ever actually the intention, or…
What you didn’t know about the Epstein files [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 36:24
It’s been almost a fortnight since the release of the Epstein files, and since then we’ve learned a lot about the disgraced financier’s connections to the rich and powerful. But what more have we learned about Jeffrey Ep…
What happens when Britain's population starts to shrink? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 26:28
The Office for National Statistics has said that by 2029 it expects more deaths than births in Britain. Simultaneously migration could go into reverse soon, with more people leaving our shores than arriving. But how will…
Is Keir Starmer’s premiership terminal? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:24
It’s been a week of chaos in Westminster, as Prime Minister Keir Starmer fights for survival. The crisis he faces reached fever pitch on Sunday with the resignation of his chief of staff, Morgan McSweeney, followed swift…
Prince William walks a tightrope in Saudi Arabia [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:02
Prince William is making his first visit to Saudi Arabia this week to celebrate “growing trade, energy and investment ties” between the kingdom and the UK. But with a number of sensitive issues on the table – from defenc…
Why questions remain about the collapsed China spying case [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:56
Since the case against two British men accused of spying for China suddenly collapsed, the Government and the Crown Prosecution Service have been playing the blame game, each accusing the other of being responsible. So w…