Study calls for tackling ban in school rugby

Study calls for tackling ban in school rugby

A study from Professor Allyson Pollock, from Newcastle University, has urged chief medical officers to remove contact in rugby from the school game.

She presented new evidence based on the fact that a ban on tackling would reduce head and neck injuries. 

A recurring issue that is never too far away from headlines relates to the concussion protocol taken by teams & medical staff to ensure players receive the correct levels of assessment following a head injury.

The concussion debate strengthened during the British & Irish Lions tour to New Zealand when Wales lock Alun-Wyn Jones returned to the field of play 20 minutes after receiving a thunderous blow to the head, leaving him visibly unstable.


The 2017 Lions Tour served up a phenomenal spectacle but it also highlighted the major flaws associated with the (HIA) head injury assessment.

This recent study has been counteracted by World Rugby as the sport's governing body say Pollock's conclusions are  "simply not supported by the data".


A statement read: "World Rugby and its member unions take player safety and welfare very seriously and proactively pursue an evidence-based approach to reduce the risk of injury at all levels.

The UK's leading brain injury charity, Headway, believe the focus should be targeted on better coaching and greater awareness of concussion.

"Collisions will always occur when children are playing. It is vital, therefore, that all teachers are aware of the signs of concussion."

Leading World Rugby referee Nigel Owens weighed in on the topic by condemning the proposed ban on tackling:




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