RFU Statement – 26/01/2023
The RFU have released the following statement…
The RFU Board, Council and executive staff apologise for the anger and concern that has been created among the rugby community by announcing the decision to lower the tackle height from next season.
In our desire to act quickly to reduce head impacts and concussions in the community game, which represents 99% of the rugby playing population in England, we have upset many of you who are the champions, volunteers, and ambassadors of our game. We fully acknowledge we got the engagement wrong, and we are truly sorry.
In making our decision we were aware that France have lowered the tackle height, New Zealand will be doing so and World Rugby supports this approach.
We, like the French, used the term “waist and below”; this has caused misunderstanding and confusion. We would now like the game to help us define how we describe a lower tackle height to reflect what the research is telling us in a way that is understood by all. Consequently, the risk of head injuries should be reduced if tackling below that optimum height. We will now begin a series of forums and workshops with players, coaches, match officials and volunteers, to explain and develop the details of the domestic law variation.
A large body of scientific evidence* demonstrates the risk of head injury and concussion for players can be reduced by lowering the tackle height to prevent head on head contact. However, we also accept that the rugby community has other concerns that this change may bring and we need to listen, understand and respond to those concerns. We will start inviting players, coaches, match officials and volunteers to these forums from early next week, so that we can all work together.
It dose not matter how you word it, the fact is that players naturally dip into a tackle so you will always run the risk of injury.
This is a simple fact and one that each player that crosses the white wash accepts, for many of us it is the reason we love the game and respect our opponent’s. we willingly put ourselves in harms way and have no need of nannying by the power’s that be who are killing the game
Think you have lost the confidence in junior rugby and looks like you want to wash your hands with us and concentrate on the professional game you will be responsible for the death of rugby union
My understanding is that the French largely play upper waist and below as legal. However at rucks and maul entry or clear out the law is not enforced. This is a mess and should not be enforced for nothing other than PC
Dear RFU. Whilst I fully support the need to reduce concussion in the game I feel that some things are being overlooked. For example, under the new results, even the present rules, an 18st ball carrier can lower his shoulder to just above the knees and drive towards the line. What is a head on defender mean to do? I think the tackle contact is an equal responsibility of the ball carrier and the tackler. Perhaps we should raise the higher that a ball carriers shoulder can be to the waist as well.
1. You left out supporters, we pay to watch and we have opinions too.
2. I always tackled below the waist as a player but the rule book and tactics have changed a lot since my day. If you change tackle height, how can you defend against a player in a squat position 1 meter from the try line. Other Laws will need review too.
3. I’m a motorcyclist like Rugby players I accept that risk willingly. There are new lightweight polymers that are soft to touch but hard up on impact. A close fitting scrum cap type helmet w ill protect players heads without going down the NFL route. Contact Knox motorcycle clothing for more info.
4. In my view there should be a professional management team at the RFU the committee foes not work and needs to be replaced with a qualified team and smaller committee.