Alix Popham

In this special episode of The Brick Session, host Mark Livesey welcomes former Welsh international rugby star Alix Popham. A powerhouse on the pitch, Alix earned 33 caps for Wales, playing at the highest level before retiring from professional rugby. However, his career came at a cost—Alix has since been diagnosed with early-onset dementia and chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), conditions linked to repeated head trauma during his playing days. Determined to make a difference, Alix co-founded Head for Change, a charity advocating for better brain health awareness and player protection in contact sports. But his competitive spirit hasn’t faded—he’s now channeling his energy into triathlon, taking on the challenge of long-course racing. From brutal rugby tackles to Ironman training, Alix shares his journey of resilience, adaptation, and newfound passion for endurance sports. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about overcoming adversity, pushing boundaries, and why triathlon has become his next great challenge.