RFU could face 'no confidence' vote in wake of backlash from 200 clubs

The Rugby Football Union could face a no confidence vote generated by grassroots clubs in the wake of its radical tackle-height change.

Legal tackle height will be lowered to the waist across English community rugby from next season.

The move was unanimously approved by RFU Council members last week in an attempt to support player welfare, notably reducing head impact exposure.

It will apply across the community game – clubs, schools, colleges and universities at both age-grade and adult levels – covering the National One division and below in the men’s game and Championship One and below in the women’s game from July 1.

But many clubs have been angered at what they see as a lack of consultation. The Times reported on Thursday that 200 clubs have joined forces to call for a special general meeting of the RFU.

In its latest update on tackle height, the RFU said: “We understand the rugby community has a range of questions in reaction to the recent announcement that the tackle height is to be lowered across the community game from next season.

“We recognise the change is challenging, and the community game has understandably provided significant feedback on the change.

“However, the large body of scientific evidence strongly indicates that it will reduce the incidence of head injuries in the community game.

“There will be further discussions with Council members during the next few days before further details on the intent and details around the changes are published to the wider game.

“We consider the decision to reduce the tackle height to be the start of the process, to allow for a period of engagement in the coming weeks with groups of coaches, players and referees, drawn from across the country and from all levels of the game, including the men’s women’s and age-grade game, over the detail, intent and implications of the law change, before finalising it.”