Tackle height trial approval could change the game as we know it
Injury prevention was at the heart of a package of law amendment and trial recommendations made by World Rugby’s Law Review Group (LRG) over two days in London.
The recommendations made by this multi-disciplinary expert group carefully considered all available evidence in the evaluation of each proposal, including the six that were discussed at the recent player welfare and laws symposium in Marcoussis, France.
World Rugby chairman Bill Beaumont said: “World Rugby is committed to evidence-based injury prevention and while injury incidence in rugby is not on the rise and there has been a 15 per cent reduction in concussions in elite competitions, now is not the time to become complacent.
“This week, the LRG has continued to focus on further reducing the risk of injury at all levels. At the centre of this approach is the tackle, which is responsible for 50 per cent of all match injuries and 76 per cent of all concussions (72 per cent occurring to the tackler).
“This is in part driven by an increase of ball in play time by 50 per cent since the 1987 Rugby World Cup to approximately 40 minutes today. This has given rise to a 252 per cent increase in tackles over the same period, which is why we are so focused on this area.”
Law changes up for debate later this week in London https://t.co/dCLoVYJXWq
— RugbyPass (@RugbyPass) June 25, 2019
Having assessed and discussed all the available data, the six Marcoussis proposals were each considered by the LRG and recommendations were made to the Rugby Committee, which will meet in July:
50:22 KICK
If the team in possession kicks the ball from inside their own half indirectly into touch inside their opponents’ 22 or from inside their own 22 into their opponents’ half, they will throw in to the resultant lineout. Rationale: To create space by forcing players to drop back out of the defensive line in order to prevent their opponents from kicking for touch. Recommendation: To approve for closed trials.
REDUCTION OF PERMITTED SUBSTITUTIONS
Reduction in the number of permitted substitutions. Rationale: To encourage more space and opportunities towards the end of the game as on-field players tire. Recommendation: For World Rugby to sponsor more research to determine if there is a player welfare benefit.
I look forward to collaborating with my union colleagues later this week to consider potential injury-prevention law trials for post RWC 2019 https://t.co/xHf1r0Ycmk #rugby via @worldrugby
— Sir Bill Beaumont (@BillBeaumont) June 25, 2019
OFF FEET AT THE RUCK
Players must move away from the ball without delay. Rationale: To ensure more space and time is afforded to the attacking side. Recommendation: Specialist working group should be formed to assess all issues regarding the ruck/breakdown.
DELAYING DEFENSIVE LINE MOVEMENT
Delaying the movement of the defensive line at the ruck until the ball has reached the first attacking player or until the receiver opts not to pass. Rationale: To give the team in possession more time and space on the ball. Recommendation: Not to approve for trial.
REDUCING TACKLE HEIGHT
Reducing the tackle height to the waist. Rationale: Forcing players to tackle lower may reduce the risk of head injuries to both the tackler and tackled player. Recommendation: To approve for closed trials.
YELLOW CARD SIN BIN REVIEW
Ability to review a yellow card when a player is in the sin bin for dangerous foul play. Rationale: To ensure players who are guilty of serious foul play do not escape with a yellow card when they deserved red. Recommendation: To approve for closed trials.
Former Fiji coach has some advice for World Rugby's lawmakers ? https://t.co/KIFwgdhdWN
— RugbyPass (@RugbyPass) June 27, 2019
Beyond the Marcoussis outcomes, a number of other proposals were considered by the LRG and recommendations made accordingly:
1. The introduction of an infringement (penalty and free-kick) limit for teams. Once a team has reached the limit, a mandatory yellow card is given to the last offending player as a team sanction. Rationale: To encourage teams to offend less. Recommendation: To approve for closed trials at NRC in Australia.
2. The awarding of a goal line drop-out to the defending team when an attacking player, who brings the ball into in-goal, is held up. Rationale: To reward good defence and promote a faster rate of play. Recommendation: To approve for closed trials at NRC in Australia.
3. One additional replacement per team be allowed during extra-time in a sevens match. Rationale: To manage player fatigue and workload. Recommendation: To approve for closed trial at the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series and HSBC World Rugby Women’s Sevens Series.
4. The high tackle technique warning has been successfully trialled at the World Rugby Under-20 Championship for the last two years. Rationale: Head injury prevention strategy. Recommendation: To approve further closed trials.
5. A number of potential changes to tackle law were discussed by the group, with a particular reference to the community level in France. Rationale: To reduce injury rates in the domestic game. Recommendation: Approve for closed trials in designated FFR competitions.
World Rugby Chairman Bill Beaumont and CEO Brett Gosper discuss this week's ‘Shaping the game’ symposium in Marcoussis, France, where important discussions on player welfare and laws took place. pic.twitter.com/N5x8wvl0Tc
— World Rugby (@WorldRugby) March 21, 2019
Following a detailed discussion on the risks associated to front row players’ necks during the scrum engagement process, the LRG also supported a proposed amendment to Law 19 (Scrum) that, if approved, will outlaw the practice of front rows placing their heads onto opposition players’ shoulders between the call of ‘bind’ and ‘set’.
It has been shown that this practice has resulted in potentially dangerous levels of axial loading on front rows’ cervical spines. Given this issue has significant potential welfare implications, it will be actioned immediately.
The LRG also considered feedback from the implementation of the high tackle sanction framework in the recent World Rugby Under-20 Championship in Argentina. Following input form operational staff, it was agreed to simplify the framework by removing reference to direct or indirect contact and streamlining the questions once a shoulder charge or high tackle had occurred.
Four proposals of law amendments in RugbyX were also recommended by the LRG, including:
1. That restarts should take place on the five-metre line (as opposed to the goal line).
2. That the requirement for kicks to be grubbers be removed.
3. That the seven-point ‘max zone’ be removed (so all tries carry the same value).
4. That one-on-one skill tests be introduced to settle drawn matches (replacing extra-time).
With a key player welfare symposium taking place in Paris this week to consider the latest game playing and injury trends, hear from World Rugby CEO @brettgosper on the importance of this week's meetings. pic.twitter.com/h1HPCLXMGd
— World Rugby (@WorldRugby) March 18, 2019
LRG chairman John Jeffrey said: “This meeting is another important step on the road to further law improvement within the next four-year Rugby World Cup cycle. There is no doubt that the sport is committed in its collaborative effort to reduce injuries, particularly head injuries, and the outcomes from this productive meeting certainly underscored that approach.
“The level of expertise and engagement in the meeting was impressive. The members of the LRG clearly want what is best for the game and are determined to make the sport as safe, simple and enjoyable to play as it can be at all levels. I look forward to considering the LRG recommendations with my colleagues from the rugby committee next month.”
The LRG, which is made up of law experts, players, coaches, match officials and elite competition representatives, considers the applications, edits or clarifications of existing law and the introduction of new laws deemed appropriate for closed or global trials. The process could culminate in law amendments within the next Rugby World Cup cycle.
WATCH: Knocked, episode one on the RugbyPass series Beyond 80 which focuses on the issue of concussion
Comments on RugbyPass
Lets compare apples with apples. Lyon sent weak team the week before, but nobody raised an eyebrow. Give the South African teams a few years to build their depth, then you will be moaning that the teams are too strong.
41 Go to commentsDid footballs agents also perform the scout role at some time? I’m surprised more high profile players haven’t taken up the occupation, great way to remain in the game and use all that experience without really requiring a lot of specific expertise?
1 Go to commentsSuper rugby is struggling but that has little to do with sabbaticals. 1. Too many teams from Aust and NZ - should be 3 and 4 respectively, add in 2 from Japan, 1 possibly 2 from Argentina. 2. Inconsistent and poor refereeing, admittedly not restricted to Super rugby. Only one team was reffed at the breakdown in Reds v H’Landers match. Scrum penalty awarded in Canes v Drua when No 8 had the ball in the open with little defence nearby - ideal opportunity to play advantage. Coming back to Reds match - same scrum situation but ref played advantage - Landers made 10 yards and were penalised at the breakdown when the ref should have returned to scrum penalty. 3. Marketing is weak and losing ground to AFL and NRL. Playing 2 days compared with 4. 4. Scheduling is unattractive to family attendance. Have any franchises heard of Sundays 2pm?
10 Go to commentsAbsolutely..all they need is a chance in yhe playoffs and I bet all the other teams will be nervous…THEY KNOW HOW TO WIN IM THE PLAYOFFS..
2 Go to commentsI really hope he comes back and helps out with some coaching.
1 Go to commentsI think we are all just hoping that the Olympic 7s doesn’t suffer the same sad fate as the last RWC with the officials ruining the spectacle.
1 Go to commentsPersonally, I’ve lost the will to even be bothered about the RFU, the structure, the participants. It’s all a sham. I now simply enjoy getting a group of friends together to go and watch a few games a year in different locations (including Europe, the championship, etc). I feel extremely sorry for the real fans of these clubs who are constantly ignored by the RFU and other administrators. I feel especially sorry for the fans of clubs in the Championship who have had considerable central funding stripped away and are then expected to just take whatever the RFU put to them. Its all a sham, especially if the failed clubs are allowed to return.
9 Go to commentsI’m guessing Carl Hayman would have preferred to have stayed in NZ with benefit of hindsight. Up north there is the expectation to play twice as many games with far less ‘player management’ protocols that Paul is now criticising. Less playing through concussions means longer, healthier, careers. Carter used as the eg here by Paul, his sabbatical allowed him to play until age 37. OK its not an exact science but there is far more expectations on players who sign for Top 14 or Engl Prem clubs to get value for the huge salaries. NZR get alot wrong but keeping their best players in NZ rugby is not one of them. SA clubs are virtually devoid of their top players now, no thanks. They cant threaten the big teams in the Champions Cup, the squads have little depth. Cant see Canes/Chiefs struggling. Super has been great this year, fantastic high skill matches. Drua a fantastic addition and Jaguares will add another quality team eventually. Aus teams performing strongly and no doubt will benefit with the incentive of a Lions tour and a home RWC. Let Jordie enjoy his time with Leinster, it will allow the opportunity for another player to emerge at Canes in his absence.
10 Go to commentsLove that man, his way to despise angry little men is so funny ! 😂
4 Go to comments“South African franchises would be powerhouses if we had all our overseas based players back in situ. We would have the same unbeatable aura the Toulouses, Leinsters or Saracens of this world have had over the last decade or so.” Proof that Jake white does not understand the economics of the game in SA. Players earning abroad are not going to simply come back and represent the bulls. But they might if they have a springbok contract.
22 Go to commentsA lot of fans just joined in for the fun of it! We all admire O'Gara and what he has done for La Rochelle
4 Go to commentsThe RFU will find a way to mess this up as usual. My bet is there will be no promotion into the the Premiership, only relegation into National League One. Hopefully they won’t parachute failed clubs into the league at the expense of clubs who have battled for promotion.
9 Go to commentsWell that’s the contracts for RG and Jordie bought and paid for. Now, what are the chances we can persuade Antoine to hop over with all the extra dosh we’ll have from living at the Aviva & Croke next season…??? 🤑🤑🤑
35 Go to commentsWow, that’s incredible. Great for rugby.
35 Go to commentsYou probably read that parling is going to coach the wallaby lineout but if not before now you have.
14 Go to commentsIf someone like Leo Cullen was in O’Gara’s place I don’t hear Boo-ing. It’s not just that La Rochelle has hurt Leinster and O’Gara is their Irish boss. It’s the needle that he brings and the pantomime activity before the game around pretending that Munster were supporting LaRochelle just because O’Gara is from Cork. That’s dividing Irish provinces just to get an advantage for his French Team. He can F*ck right off with that. BOOOOO! (but not while someone is lying injured)
4 Go to commentsDid the highlanders party too hard before the game? They were the pits.
1 Go to commentsWhat a player! Not long until he’s in the England side, surely?
5 Go to commentsHe seems to have the same aura as Marcus Smith - by which I mean he’s consistently judged as if he’s several years younger than he actually is. Mngomezulu has played 24 times for the Stormers. When Pollard was his age he had played 24 times for South Africa! He has more time to develop, but he has also had time to do some developing already, and he hasn’t demonstrated nearly as much talent in that time as one would expect. If he is a generational talent, then it must be a pretty poor generation.
6 Go to commentsThe greatest Springbok coach of all time is entirely on the money. Rassie and Jacques have given the south african public a great few years, but the success of the springbok selection policy will need to be judged in light of what comes next. The poor condition that the provincial system is currently in doesn’t bode well for the next few years of international rugby, and the insane 2026 schedule that the Boks have lined up could also really harm both provincial and international consistency.
22 Go to comments