SRU medic hails changes to rules – even if just used for training

RUGBY: Proposals could boost player welfare in training, insists Robson

The SRU’S chief medic believes World Rugby’s optional rule changes are a “welcome initiative” in tackling the coronavirus crisis.

The game’s global governing body has introduced 10 temporary law trials relating to the scrum, tackle, ruck and maul that are designed to reduce the risk of players transmitting Covid-19.

The English Premiership have already said they will not adopt the measures, which include limiting the number of scrums and the players who can join rucks and mauls, reducing rucks to three seconds and speeding up the time allowed to play the ball from the base of scrums.

But Dr James Robson, Scottish Rugby’s highly experienced and respected chief medical officer, reckons the proposals can help improve player welfare in training – even if they are not adopted for games.

He said: “I always welcome any initiative that can improve players’ safety. Player safety in the game is absolutely paramount.

“It’s a contact sport, so injuries do happen and certainly in the context of virus transmission, of course, we have the duty to examine where we might modify our practice.

“I understand why the wider professional and international rugby people have said ‘thank you, but we want to continue the game the way it is’.

“But it gives us a chance to look at training, perhaps, and look at what the law variations are – how might we translate that to modifying the training we need?

“Ultimately, to play the normal contact game but, in actual fact, cut down the chance of transmission and injury in training.

“So, that’s a welcome initiative.” The Scotland team doctor, a veteran of six World Cups and six tours with the British and Irish Lions, added to the Official Scottish Rugby Podcast: “It’s difficult for me as a medic to determine whether some or all of these might be implemented.

“But it underlines the fact people are concerned enough to examine every facet of the game in order to make it as safe as possible.”

Picture: Shutterstock. SRU chief medical officer Dr James Robson believes the optional rule changes proposed by World Rugby could help improve the safety of players in training.