It was announced last week the legal height of the tackle would drop to the waist for levels below the Premiership, Championship and Premier 15s.
The news was met with uproar by those in the community game, who weren’t consulted over the decision.
Their newest statement read: “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 and, given the French experience of it over the past few seasons, suggests it is a more exciting game to play and watch.
“There will be further discussion 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.”
“We will publish further information, including videos and FAQs, in the coming days to provide further guidance. This will be followed by a multi-format training offer which will include face-to-face, webinar, e-Learning and will be offered in the lead up to, and throughout, next season to players, referees and coaches.
“We will also provide targeted communications to the 150,000+ affiliated age grade players and their parents to share appropriate learning content tailored for each age grade that they can use to further develop their tackle and contact skills.”
One fan responded to the statement, writing: “f the evidence is compelling universally apply across the game don’t impose on the community game where the incidence of concussion will be reduced by a v small amount (on the data we currently have). Rugby has inherent risk, those that play know this & love the game we have”
A second commented: “What would it take for the RFU to roll back on this? Is the expert opinion (of those who actually play the community game) and strength of feeling not enough? How many people would they be happy to see leave? How many clubs to go to the wall?”
Another wrote: “Just admit you messed up. Stop meddling round the edges of the game and put more money and effort in bringing those who left during Covid back to the game. Oh… and don’t forget to ask those who love the game, and still play/referee about their opinions!”
They’ve also looked to clarify where you can tackle with a graphic.
