A huge tackle from the weekend’s Six Nations is being used as ammunition by those rebelling against the Rugby Football Union’s controversial plan to lower the tackle height.
The RFU could face a no-confidence vote from grassroots clubs amid growing opposition to plans for a radical tackle-height change.
It was announced a fortnight ago that tackling above the waist will be banned in community rugby in a move unanimously approved by Rugby Football Union Council members.
The legislation was brought in by the RFU in an attempt to support player welfare, notably reducing head impact exposure and will apply across the community game – clubs, schools, colleges and universities at both age-grade and adult levels – covering National One division and below in the men’s game and Championship One and below in the women’s game.
In the clip from the Calcutta Cup, Scotland centre Sione Tuipulotu went low but took a nasty head knock from the hip of England fullback Freddie Steward.
COMPETITION
Former England, Bath and Gloucester winger Matt Banahan wrote: “Tackle bellow the waist they say ….. it will be safe for head and necks.”
Another fan wrote: “Looks good for the old head/neck area. Much safer.”
A second commented: “The new tackle laws will prevent head collisions then – NOT !!”
Another said: “Dangerous below the waist contact @RFU experts (ie clueless barristers) don’t want people to see.”
Sione Tuipulotu tackle:
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LIST: 5 brilliant pieces of sh**housery in the Six Nations this weekend
Here, RUCK takes a look at five brilliant examples of sh**housery from the opening weekend of the 2023 Six Nations.
RUCK’s 2023 Six Nations content powered by ISUZU.
#1. Russell against England
Finn Russell made sure Owen Farrell knew he’d got the better of the England captain in the build up to Duhan van der Merwe’s first try.
A camera at the end of the field captures Russell, who can be seen in the background, quickly heading towards Farrell.
Meanwhile, Van der Merwe dances through the English defense to score an early contender for try of the year..
The soon to be Bath number 10 comes from behind and bumps into Farrell, causing him to stumble, and can be seen yelling at him.
Full off the ball incident:
Finn Russell qui va se foutre de la gueule d’Owen Farrell en plein pendant l’essai fou de Van der Merwe parce que l’Anglais n’a pas plaqué l’ailier adverse.
— Gauthier Baudin (@GauthierBaudin) February 5, 2023
Du Finn Russell tout craché. pic.twitter.com/7E4W8BJVjP