SAFETY IS PARAMOUNT
FELIPE Contepomi insists safety is all that matters in rugby – despite Geordan Murphy’s ‘PC’ remarks.
Former Ireland full-back Murphy caused controversy on Sunday when he criticised the sending-off of his Leicester player Will Spencer.
The forward saw red when he caught
Wasps’ Tommy Taylor with a high tackle – something World Rugby is clamping down on.
Afterwards Murphy claimed rugby had “gone too PC”.
While reluctant to criticise Murphy’s stance, Leinster’s new backs coach Contepomi – a qualified medical doctor – has his own view.
“I don’t want to comment on his comments, it’s his opinion,” said the Argentinian.
“I think rugby is a great sport and we need to keep it as safe as possible.
“We need to judge around the welfare of the players and if that’s the way they’re managing it, I don’t know, we’ll see later on.
“It’s physical enough. Players are getting stronger, faster, leaner. It’s even hard to find space on the pitch.
“I don’t know why he said that. Maybe he has said a reason why. It’s his comment.
“From my point of view, keep it as safe as possible. It’s a great sport.”
Contepomi’s former Pumas team-mate Agustin Pichot claimed last week Test rugby was in danger of imploding over the increasing demands placed on players.
But Contepomi (inset) has a positive spin of how the sport is evolving at the top level – he believes there is more emphasis now on talent than on brute force.
“It’s already getting that way,” he argued. “It’s not only about fighting or being physical. You need to be very skilful to find those spaces.
“Now you can see props stepping into full-backs or wingers – maybe it was unusual 20 years ago. If I bring you all the 50 (Leinster) players, you might not be able to tell which position they are in because everyone looks the same.
“Twenty years ago, you would say, ‘That’s front five, middle five.’ “For me, rugby is going in the right direction. Nothing’s ever perfect. It’s moving in the right direction.”
Meanwhile, Dan Leavy could make his Leinster return against Edinburgh in Saturday’s Guinness PRO14 clash at the RDS.
Fellow Leinster and Ireland back row Sean O’brien is nearing a return with next month’s Heineken Champions Cup opener in mind.
Leavy suffered a sternum injury in Ireland’s second summer Test against Australia.
Young out-half Ciaran Frawley will also resume squad training this week.