Rugby is facing a crisis.
The issue of concussion just won’t go away.
The long-term effects of repeated knocks to the head are becoming clear and a group of medics in England feel a solution may be found at underage level.
Health experts have written to MPs to discuss the possibility of having tackling in all schools rugby banned.
The letter states that research indicates tackling in schools rugby increases the risk of sustaining a serious injury, and injuries are often dangerous.
Dozens of medics are hoping that the government will look into protecting children, and parents will choose non-contact rugby, or tag rugby, for their children instead.
Doctors, who have treated various children in rugby-related situations, feel that there needs to be an urgent re-think on the dangers facing children playing rugby.
“The majority of all injuries occur during contact or collision, such as the tackle and the scrum.
“These injuries which include fractures, ligamentous tears, dislocated shoulders, spinal injuries and head injuries can have short-term, life-long, and life-ending consequences for children.”
The proposal has caused controversy this morning, with various mixed reactions from well-known rugby figures.
Rugby certainly has impact issues to deal with as changes to concussion rules demonstrate. Complaining society's gone soft won't solve those
— Paul Kelso (@pkelso) March 2, 2016
Banning contact rugby till age 18 effectively precludes full rugby after; it's more dangerous to start unskilled, powerful adults tackling.
— Brian Moore (@brianmoore666) March 2, 2016
What a load of old cobblers…let's ensure we coach correct tackle technique from a young age https://t.co/GEej8G5s1m
— Mike Friday (@MikeFriday09) March 2, 2016
Disagree with docs who want tackling banned in schools rugby. Instead teach how to tackle properly and pick teams by weight not age
— Jeremy Bowen (@BowenBBC) March 2, 2016
Both rugby codes have gone from contact to collision sports. Don't see pro non contact rugby catching on somehow …#rugbyleague #rugbyunion
— Chris Irvine 🏉🇺🇦 🍷 🇪🇺 (@Chrisirvine) March 2, 2016
Reassuring to see the widespread backlash against the call for tackling to be banned in schools rugby. Without tackling, there is no rugby.
— Simon Thomas Rugby (@simonrug) March 2, 2016
Rugby continues to make the game safer!! Context is needed before some medics blame the game for injuries. What about child obesity issue?
— Matt Dawson (@matt9dawson) March 2, 2016
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