Safety first as small minority would prevent kids playing rugby

Figures released by the Irish Rugby Union Players Association (IRUPA) yesterday indicate as many as eight of their members would not encourage their children to take up the game now or at some point in the future.

The body has surveyed their membership in the wake of the recent move by a group of medics in the UK to seek the elimination of tackling from the game at schools level for safety reasons.

Approximately 50% of the players responded. IRUPA is the union voice for up to 260 Irish rugby players, ranging from those in the provincial sub-academies and through to senior international level on the men’s side, as well as female players in the sevens and 15s versions of the game.