Tackling switch is high risk for Clive

WARNING: Sir Clive SIR CLIVE WOODWARD fears proposed new tackling laws could rebound and put rugby stars in even more danger.

The World Cup-winning boss issued his warning as rulemakers prepare to trial a lower legal tackling height.

In the wake of Wales and Lions star Sam Warburton quitting the game at 29, the RFU hope to reduce the number of severe head and neck injuries by punishing players who hit above the underside of the arm pit.

England captain Dylan Hartley has not played since being concussed in the final Six Nations clash with Ireland.

At the moment the law states legal tackles must be below the shoulder line.

The new law will be trialled in the Championship Cup competition but Woodward is worried the game could end up like NFL, with every player flying in low.

He said: “They are talking about going down from the shoulder to the arm pits. There is not a lot of difference between them so I’m not sure how you are going to referee that!

“You could start to get people running too low and that’s when you could get a worse scenario.

“The worst injuries I have seen have been after a head has crunched against someone’s bony knee.

“When that happens the guy going low comes off far worse and always needs treatment and to go off.

“It’s not about how tall you are as a player but how physically strong you are in all areas, especially the neck area, to be able to hit hard and also withstand those big hits back.

“The worry for rugby union is the technique side of things. Most people start at school level and then as amateurs and they are not strong around the neck.

“You have to look at the technique of tackling and also use some common sense.

“If you are flying into a tackle and you see a knee coming you have to get your head out of the way. That’s down to proper technique.

“Yes there are a lot of head injuries now, but whether that’s more than when I played I am not sure.

“Maybe it’s down to so much more data, sports science, doctors and media coverage.

“I’m all for new ideas to try and reduce the number of physical problems but they have to be the right ones.”