RFU under pressure to justify ban on tackles above waist

Pressure is building on the RFU to produce more evidence that outlawing tackles above the waist at non-professional level from this summer will improve the game or make it safer

CONCERNS: Saracens head coach Mark McCall. Pic: INPHO/Craig Watson

Pressure is building on the Rugby Football Union to produce more evidence that outlawing tackles above the waist at non-professional level from this summer will improve the game or make it safer. Criticism of the proposed trial has been widespread among amateur clubs nationwide with Mark McCall, Saracens’ director of rugby, the latest high-profile coach to argue that more detailed research is needed.

The clubs believe they were not properly consulted in advance of the changes being voted through and moves are afoot to force a special general meeting to reverse the decision. Clubs in Staffordshire have already mandated their representative on the RFU Council to reverse his vote and others are keen to follow, upset that council members voted unanimously for the change without sufficient consultation.