World Cup refs to crack down on high tackles

World Cup referees’ boss Alain Rolland warned that officials would be more rigorous than ever in penalising high tackles in Japan, shrugging off concerns that a rush of red cards could affect the tournament.

Rolland said on Monday that he was aware of fears that an excessive clampdown could “potentially have a negative impact” on rugby’s global showpiece, with the possibility that red cards could decide the winner.

But Rolland said new guidelines aimed at preventing concussions were drawn up in collaboration with coaches, and that players should be well aware of the possible consequences of high shots.

The television match officials (TMOs) have also been armed with the latest Hawk-Eye technology allowing them to zero in on trouble spots, and are also being encouraged to intervene when they see “serious acts of foul play where they can assist” officials on the ground.

Full article via rugby365