U18s ‘should be banned’ from scrum front rows

Rugby players under the age of 18 should be barred from the scrum front row to avoid injury to their necks, a study suggests.

Research has shown younger players often do not have the same neck strength as seniors and are at a higher risk of injury.

A team at Edinburgh University is advising youth players undergo tests to demonstrate they have the necessary neck strength before being approved to play adult rugby.