Tackle law petition approaches 75,000 as pressure on RFU continues to grow

The is being urged to provide more details on the “strong” scientific evidence that has compelled them to make sweeping changes to the law around tackle height, as a petition opposing the move approaches 75,000 signatures.

An increasing number of current and former top level players have aired their opinions against the decision this week, and The RFU board and its chief executive Bill Sweeney are to face a no confidence vote after 208 rugby clubs called for a special general meeting (SGM).

In separate interviews on BBC local radio stations, and 's respective coaches George Skivington and also strongly opposed the law change, with Skivington questioning the practicality of the move and Lam expressing concern for the tackler.

The petition has just passed a week of being live, and though the rate of new signatories has slowed down, the huge number of people who have put their name forward has forced the RFU into a response.

In a statement released on their official account on Twitter, they said: “We recognise the change is challenging and the community game has understandably provided significant feedback on the change.

“However, the large body of scientific evidence strongly indicates that it will reduce the incidence of head injuries in the community game and, given the French experience of it over the past few seasons, suggests it is a more exciting game to play and watch.

“There will be further discussion with Council members during the next few days before further details on the intent and details around the changes are published to the wider game.”

The RFU's unclear worded statement, however, which appears to have been published in the generic Microsoft Word Calbiri font in italics, has done little to calm the frustrations of the Community Clubs Union (above), a new group which has been formed with the aim of securing an SGM and bringing forward a no confidence vote.

Attention has also been drawn to RFU rule 18.17, where just four clubs in a “Geographical Constituent Body” can force a postal ballot to remove a representative from their role on the RFU council, with councillors coming under huge pressure after they unanimously approved the law change with no clubs consulted.

For exclusive stories and all the detailed rugby news you need, subscribe to The Rugby Paper website, digital edition, or newspaper from as little as 14p a day.

Leave a Comment