RFU proposed a ground-breaking research programme two years ago into a reported link between a specific gene and the incidence of concussion England stars rejected the move to introduce genetic testing Players were concerned it would lead to an invasion of privacy A delegation from RFU's medical department had meet with club representatives urging them to participate in the study

By Sam Peters For Mail On Sunday

Published: 17:59 EST, 29 November 2014 | Updated: 18:17 EST, 29 November 2014

England's top rugby stars have blocked a move to introduce genetic testing of all professional players over fears of a Big Brother-style invasion of privacy.

The Mail on Sunday have learned that senior figures from within the RFU proposed a ground-breaking research programme two years ago into a reported link between a specific gene and the incidence of concussion.

A high-level delegation from the RFUs medical department - including head of medicine Dr Simon Kemp - presented to club representatives at the Rugby Players Association (RPA), urging them to consider participating in the study.

England centre Brad Barritt (right) is bloodied during the match with Australia on Saturday

The APOE4 gene has been identified for many years with an increased risk of Alzheimers disease and other dementias. Research carried out in the United States reported a link between APOE4 and the incidence and recovery rate from concussion in boxers and American footballers.

Approximately 20 per cent of the population carry the APOE4 gene.

It came following research carried out in the United States by world-leading head injury expert Barry Jordan which reported a link between the APOE4 gene and concussion in a sample of boxers and American footballers.

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England stars blocked RFU concussion gene-testing plan for all professional players due to 'Big Brother' privacy fears