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

By PA
RFU Chief Executive Officer Bill Sweeney (Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images)

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

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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.

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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.

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

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“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.”

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Comments

2 Comments
H
Harry 666 days ago

A bunch of idiots running our game! The quotes above are patronising and fly in the face of the rugby public who actually play, coach and watch out fantastic game.

R
Reuben 666 days ago

It's like telling boxers not to punch the head 🤣...it's a contact sport ,the only way to stop concussion is to take the contact out of it

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BeamMeUp 3 hours ago
The Springboks have something you don't have

A few comments. Firstly, I am a Bok fan and it's been a golden period for us. I hope my fellow Bok fans appreciate this time and know that it cannot last forever, so soak it all in!


The other thing to mention (and this is targeted at Welsh, English and even Aussie supporters who might be feeling somewhat dejected) is that it's easy to forget that just before Rassie Erasmus took over in 2018, the Boks were ranked 7th in the world and I had given up hope we'd ever be world beaters again.


Sport is a fickle thing and Rassie and his team have managed to get right whatever little things it takes to make a mediocre team great. I initially worried his methods might be short-lived (how many times can you raise a person's commitment by talking about his family and his love of his country as a motivator), but he seems to have found a way. After winning in 2019 on what was a very simple game plan, he has taken things up ever year - amazing work which has to be applauded! (Dankie Rassie! Ons wardeer wat jy vir die ondersteuners en die land doen!) (Google translate if you don't understand Afrikaans! 😁)


I don't think people outside South Africa fully comprehend the enormity of the impact seeing black and white, English, Afrikaans and Xhosa and all the other hues playing together does for the country's sense of unity. It's pure joy and happiness.


This autumn tour has been a bit frustrating in that the Boks have won, but never all that convincingly. On the one hand, I'd like to have seen more decisive victories, BUT what Rassie has done is expose a huge number of players to test rugby, whilst also diversifying the way the Boks play (Tony Brown's influence).


This change of both style and personnel has resulted in a lack of cohesion at times and we've lost some of the control, whereas had we been playing our more traditional style, that wouldn't happen. This is partially attributable to the fact that you cannot play Tony Brown's expansive game whilst also having 3 players available at every contact point to clear the defence off the ball. I have enjoyed seeing the Boks play a more exciting, less attritional game, which is a boring, albeit effective spectacle. So, I am happy to be patient, because the end justifies the means (and I trust Rassie!). Hopefully all these players we are blooding will give us incredible options for substitutions come next year's Rugby Championship and of course, the big prize in 2027.


Last point! The game of rugby has never been as exciting as it is now. Any of Ireland, New Zealand, South Africa, France, Argentina, Scotland, England & Australia can beat one another. South Africa may be ranked #1, but I wouldn't bet my house in them beating France or New Zealand, and we saw Argentina beating both South Africa and New Zealand this year! That's wonderful for the game and makes the victories we do get all the sweeter. Each win is 100% earned. Long may it last!


Sorry for the long post! 🏉🌍

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