Sign language

Simulcast of network BBC Two in high definition.

BBC Two HD

Head On: Rugby, Dementia and Me

Simulcast of BBC Two Northern Ireland in high definition

BBC Two Northern Ireland HD

BBC Two England

England

Simulcast of BBC Two Wales in high definition

BBC Two Wales HD

BBC Two Northern Ireland

Until 03/01/2009 BBC Two Wales (analogue) was known simply as BBC Two Wales. BBC Two Wales (digital) was BBC 2W. From 03/01/2009 BBC Two Wales schedules on both analogue and digital became identical

BBC Two Wales

Mark Casebow

Paul van Dyck

Sharul Khan

Felicity  Arkell

Tom Barry

Raw TV

Documentaries

Factual

Sport: Rugby Union

Factual: Real Life Stories

BBC Two - Head On: Rugby, Dementia and Me

Ex-rugby player Steve Thompson's life has been turned upside down by early onset dementia.

Ex-rugby player Steve Thompson's life has been turned upside down by a diagnosis of early onset dementia. Steve and his family attempt to come to terms with the condition.

In 2003, Steve Thompson played a vital role in England winning the Rugby World Cup. In the last minute of extra time, with the scores tied, Steve threw the ball in from a line-out that was passed to Jonny Wilkinson, whose drop goal dramatically won the match. It is one of the most memorable endings to a game in rugby history - but now retired and aged 42, Steve doesn’t remember it. Just like he doesn’t remember a huge amount of his professional career.

At the end of 2020, Steve’s life was turned upside down by a devastating diagnosis of early onset dementia and probable CTE, a degenerative brain condition linked to repetitive trauma to the brain. And Steve isn’t alone. Hundreds of former rugby players are now showing symptoms of the disease.  

In this documentary, Steve reveals the devastating physical and mental impact that his career as a professional rugby player has had on his health, family, work and day-to-day life.

BBC Two

Knowledge, drama, comedy and the arts for a broad adult audience.

BBC Two is a lively channel of depth and substance, carrying a range of knowledge-building programming complemented by great drama, comedy and arts.

Accessibility links

Programme Index

Head On: Rugby, Dementia and Me

Contributors

Genres

Formats

BBC Two HD

About BBC Two