The RFU caused uproar last week with the announcement that the laws regarding the height of the tackle would be changed, meaning that a legal to waist height in the community game.
Their statement read as follows :
“To support player welfare, the RFU Council agreed on Monday 16th January to lower the height of the tackle across the community game from 1st July 2023.
“Evidence from studies has consistently demonstrated that higher contact on the ball carrier and closer proximity of the ball carrier and tacklers’ heads are associated with larger head impacts (as measured by smart mouthguards) and an increased risk of concussion.
“Lowering the height of the tackle and encouraging the tackler to bend more at the waist will minimise the risk of this occurring while maintaining the tackle as an integral part of the game.”
However, despite their reasoning, the decision has not been well received and has caused widespread criticism throughout the professional and amateur game, with many citing that in fact this may create more rather than reduce injury.
Gloucester Rugby captain Lewis Ludlow was someone who was not a fan of the verdict.
Speaking to Park Life Sport, Cornish RFU referee Fergus Connolly also felt that from his experience the measures taken by the RFU would not necessairly guarantee a reduction in head collisions.
“ I understand that player welfare is at the centre of the issue. However, in my experience a lot of concussions actually come from having that slightly lower tackle height, because heads are more likely to hit knees. So I’m not sure it’s the complete right answer.”
Connolly also emphasized how difficult life will be for officials going forward.
“My penalty count is going to go up to about 40/50 a game. Players are going to become more and more frustrated, which could lead to other things happening, which we don’t want to see.
“ I think as a referee it’s going to make my life quite tricky next season and the first few months of this new law change will be absolute carnage.”
There are further concerns with how the game is going be played going forward and speaking to Park Life Sport one player felt particularly disgruntled with the changes.
“Personally I think it’s going to be pointless. When you’re five metres out how are you meant to defend someone, they’re just going to score every time. And also you’ll be able to offload in every single tackle and that can’t last.”
There is a lot of frustration throughout the community game and a petition has been launched to reverse this decision which so far has over 35,000 signatures.
Time will tell if the RFU will listen to the community or whether they will stick by this ground-breaking decision.
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