Schools level rugby tackle ban idea ‘crazy’

Former Ireland and Lions player and manager Donal Lenihan yesterday opposed calls for full-contact rugby to be banned at schools' level. He said it would interfere with "a fundamental element" of the sport.

Any ban, he said, could lead to worse injuries if older, heavier, players were expected to quickly develop tackling skills.

“It’s absolutely crazy. To suggest that they could learn to tackle when they leave school is nonsense and could make it even more dangerous," he said.