Ireland captain Johnny Sexton has voiced concern about the latest RFU initiative to lower tackles below the waistline.
English rugby is set to ban above-the-waist tackles in community rugby matches - essentially below the top two tiers of the professional game - from next season.
The RFU say they want the adult game to "follow the principle of evasion" and avoid "late dipping". Said Sexton: “Look, I don't agree with it. There's no point sitting on the fence really is there.
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“I just think you have tall people who play the game, it should be their decision to how they tackle.
“Of course we need to get the head shots out of the game, but the tackles we really need to take out are the reckless, out-of-control, sprinting out of the line, tucking arms, all of those types of ones.
“Hitting someone [at chest level] should be an option. It's not like you can't get concussed by chopping someone's knees.
“I've seen a hell of a lot of concussions from people getting their head on the wrong side, a knee to the temple or a hip even to the side of the head. So, I strongly disagree.”
Andy Farrell added he was worried that, in some cases, tackling lower could be dangerous too.
“I think it's super important that what has to come with that is the correct coaching, correct technique because of the reasons that Johnny has said,” offered the Ireland coach.
“If you are ever just saying to a kid that you need to tackle lower, then you become even more vulnerable in my opinion.
“If you're just sitting there with your arms in front trying to wrap with your head down etc., you're a sitting duck waiting to happen.
“The coaching and technique of how it's applied to tackling below the waist is absolutely crucial, otherwise we're going to have a serious problem.”
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