Rugby Players Weigh In On Controversial “Waist Height Tackle” Trial
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Waist.
World Rugby yesterday revealed they have approved a number of new laws for trialling purposes in the coming months – with one in particular causing quite a bit of controversy.
The tackle area has long been an area for discussion, with World Rugby clamping down very hard in recent years to eliminate high tackles from the game. And to be fair – it has worked, and it’s been rightly welcomed.
But their latest proposal around the tackle area is a step too far for many, with a closed trial approved to reduce the tackle height to the waist. World Rugby says that by forcing players to tackle lower, they may be able to “reduce the risk of head injuries to both the tackler and tackled player.”
A number of current and ex-pros have weighed in on this trial – and it’s safe to say they don’t see it working. Recently retired former Ulster and Ireland centre Darren Cave has been very vocal online, revealing he’s been hurt just as much by tackling players low.
Happy for people to disagree on this.
Played pro rugby for 13 years and got a couple of knocks or ‘head injuries’ along the way.
I did as much damage tackling players round the knees than I did tackling high, or being tackled high.
I never felt like tackle height was an issue
— Darren Cave (@darrencave13) August 8, 2019
Terrible idea
— stuart mccloskey (@Stuart_Mc12) August 8, 2019
Wanted to give a reply. But to gob smacked!! Let's just stop the game of rugby union!!
— Stephen Thompson MBE (@Tommo33s) August 8, 2019
We use to do it in training with Wayne Smith at the Saints. To work on support lines in attack. Great for a training drill. But would just be try after try of the same thing. You just can't stop it in defence. You need to be able to tackle the ball to stop momentum.
— Stephen Thompson MBE (@Tommo33s) August 8, 2019
I hit Etzebeth waist height in last World Cup & woke up 2 minutes later…. below the chest is low enough to keep both players safe. I’d prefer to be tackled on the stomach area hard than someone flying full tilt around my knees. Would be good for offloads though Paul I agree
— scott baldwin (@scottbaldwin2) August 9, 2019
I’ve only received head injuries from tackling low, head to hip and knee. Top steppers footwork too good to make sure you get your head in the right place. And what would stop every team just pick and going the whole way up the pitch – couldn’t stop it legally.
— Jamie (@JamieGibson6) August 8, 2019
