URC referees chief says onus is on players to change behaviour on high tackles

SUSPENSION COMING: Connacht are bracing themselves for the potential fall-out caused by Bundee Aki’s sending off in South Africa at the weekend. Pic: Ashley Vlotman/Sportsfile

As Connacht brace themselves for the potential fall-out caused by Bundee Aki’s sending off in South Africa at the weekend, BKT United Rugby Championship referees’ boss Tappe Henning has said the onus is on coaches and clubs to change player behaviour around high tackles.

Whatever about Aki’s ill-judged reaction towards referee Gianluca Gnecchi following his sending-off for Connacht last Saturday, the actual incident that prompted the Italian official to brandish his red card in Stellenbosch was a reminder that despite the increased sanctions now enforced for contact made above the shoulder line, such incidents have not gone away.