- New tackle mandate confirmed by Rugby Australia
- Applies to all competitions below Super Rugby level
- The goal is to reduce the number of concussions and head contact
Rugby Australia has announced a change that will lower the legal tackle height from below the shoulders to below the sternum in a bid to make the struggling footy code a safer sport.
RA CEO Phil Waugh said the mandate – which will be introduced at all levels under Super Rugby from February next year – was “in the best interests of the game”.
“Research from around the world has clearly identified safety as the biggest issue stopping fans and potential players from playing the game,” Waugh told the newspaper. Sydney Morning Herald.
'It is of course impossible to remove all risks from the game. However, we firmly believe that promoting safer tackling techniques and reducing the risk of head contact and concussion will lead to an even safer game.
“I am confident that our players and coaches at all levels of the game will continue to work on safe and effective tackling techniques.
In an effort to make rugby union a safer sport, Rugby Australia has announced a two-year trial to lower the legal tackle height from below the shoulders to below the sternum.
Rugby Australia CEO Phil Waugh (pictured right) said the mandate – which will be introduced at all levels under Super Rugby from February next year – was “in the best interests of the game”.
The move will see Rugby Australia join other major unions worldwide that have introduced lower tackling laws, including France, New Zealand, Ireland and South Africa
“This is absolutely in the interest of the game. However, there may be an adjustment period for players and match officials, and I would ask for patience and respect between all parties as we embark on this journey.”
The move will see Rugby Australia join other major unions worldwide that have introduced lower tackling laws, including France, New Zealand, Ireland and South Africa.
One of the main objectives of the trial will be to reduce the number of concussions on the field.
World Rugby, the English Rugby Football Union and the Welsh Rugby Union are currently embroiled in a legal claim by more than 200 players – including 66 amateur athletes – who claim they suffered brain injuries while playing the sport.
Ex-Wallaby Stephen Hoiles, now Randwick's coach in Sydney's Shute Shield competition, believes rugby players will need some leniency when it comes to approach next season.
“I understand the trial and the coaches obviously support the efforts to reduce concussion,” he said. 'It's all about effective technique coaching. Nobody wants to get high.”
When the trial was first announced in March this year, criticism was fierce in some quarters.
One stunned fan believed the lower tackle heights would mean 'the end of Rugby in Australia', while another branded the proposal a 'disgrace'.
A third said: 'Don't do it. Rugby will not remain relevant at a community level, and players will flock to other footy codes.”