Cam Pierce is hit and he falls backwards. His head retracts like he’s taken a bullet. The amateur video makes one cringe. The carnage from a single rugby contact is bad. The Kalamalka Laker grad has suffered from concussion for over a year now.
Pierce turns 26 in a few weeks and is anxiously awaiting a neurologist’s decision that could end his pro rugby career.
“I still have daily reminders of my concussion history — quick irritability, memory, concentration, and of course headaches to name a few,” said Pierce, a hulking 6-foot-7, 240-pound second row player.
He was home for the summer and had an engaging chat with family physican and longtime friend Dr. Gavin Smart about the risks in returning to the sport.
“He explained in detail the risks if I return to rugby at any level, let alone professionally. In this sport their is no avoiding contact, you need to go 100 per cent all in or you’re at a very high risk of getting hurt. I came home this summer to get married (to Parish Sanesh of Kamloops) and spend a few months relaxing, trying to let my brain recover with little stress or pressure to return to the field.
“Being surrounded by friends and family who want what’s best for me gave me a lot of clarity.”
Pierce said that while overseas, it is very easy to get caught up in putting himself at risk for a new contract.
“Coming from Canada where concussions have become such a big issue, I was quite shocked to see how lightly concussions are taken in France, granted it is making slow progress. Personally, I have learned that long term health and well being is far more important than rushing back into a new contract.”
While waiting for neurologist orders and unattached to a club, Pierce is helping coach a local Under 16 rugby team, attempting to learn more about the wine industry, and waiting patiently for his symptoms to clear in order to start training towards a new contract or as a civilian in a new line of work.
“I have been in contact with Rugby Canada legend and friend Jamie Cudmore (Squamish, B.C.) and his wife Jennifer to become an ambassador for their non-profit organization ‘Rugby Safety Network.’ Their goal is to educate leagues across the world to take concussions and player welfare more seriously. In the future, through this initiative or on my own, I will be running summer rugby camps throughout the Okanagan with the focus on rugby skills, tackle technique and concussion awareness.”
Pierce said he and his wife remain hopeful that one day his brain will be close to 100 per cent but they also remain vigilent and aware of the risks of Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs) in all sport, not just professional or amateur rugby.
“For example, Ty Pozzobon’s (Merritt bull rider) story hits home for me because anybody can find themselves in a similar situation with the dramatic lows you experience from severe and/or multiple concussions.”
Pierce has had six recorded concussions since Grade 9, but after learning more about concussions he is positive that he has endured many more as a kid playing several other contact sports.
After an ankle injury with Canada in June 2016, Pierce returned to play a few games for his professional club’s academy(U23) team. Ten minutes into his third game post ankle injury is when the concussion happened. Instead of being taken off the field, he played on for another 10 minutes, eventually taking himself out of the game.
“The head knock was bad, I was disoriented, light-headed and very confused. I lost my ability to speak French although being fluent, so that was a big red flag. After continuing play, it was obvious to me that I needed to be replaced so I just walked off the field.”
After announcing his current break from the sport, Pierce said on social media “to the players, we need to avoid the stigma around such an injury. We must realize that it takes time to recover and that each case is different. Big thanks to those who have not passed judgement.”
Similar to the NFL and NHL some years ago, concussions have just recently become a hot topic in French rugby. “It’s a fragile issue and I don’t want to get into the political side too much but I will say that things need to improve.
“It’s a shame because I feel that I only just got started. I made it to the NHL of rugby and have been lucky enough to represent Canada a handful of times. After being cut from the 2015 Rugby World Cup(RWC) squad, my goal was always to play in the next RWC, 2019 in Japan. I really don’t want to stop playing.
“However, in time I hope to recover for the most part and be able to live a normal life. I understand that there are many people with much more serious issues, and that has helped me put things into perspective. Regardless, if I am forced to stop early or am able to continue playing I will be forever grateful of where the sport has taken me.”
“Before a final decision is made by French neurologists, I would like to thank everyone who has followed my career and for the continous support throughout the years. I am forever grateful to be from such a small tight community and call Vernon/Coldstream my home.”
In 2011, Pierce started a basic apprenticeship with an Under 23 club in Clermont-Ferrand, one of France’s oldest cities. ASM Clermont Auvergne is the city’s Rugby Union team running the academy.
Pierce was with the Canada U20 side via the Kelowna Crows rugby club when he caught the eye of French scouts after scoring two tries at the World Junior Trophy tournament in Georgia. He was then awarded a two-year academy deal with Clermont Auvergne.
Pierce signed for Pau, then in Pro D2, ahead of the 2013-14 season and earned a new contract following a breakthrough year in 2014-15 that saw him make 15 first-team appearances. Injuries hampered the following season though he started seven matches including four in the Top 14 and three in European competition.
Pierce, who bought a house in France two years ago, is considering firefighting school upon recovery and a potential vineyard since he and his wife have become passionate about the wine industry. But, for now, his desire for another 10 years in rugby remains.