NZR supports

World Rugby to introduce harsher penalties for players found guilty of high and dangerous tackles, reports Liam Napier.

WORLD Rugby has announced a significant crackdown on foul play and overhauled the international judicial system after a week of bitter debate about the All Blacks’ tackling in Dublin.

The governing body has moved to increase punishments for illegal play, and will now penalise players for tackles which initially connect around the chest or shoulder region and then slide up to the head.

Players cited for dangerous tackles which make contact with the head face a minimum six week ban, while those who target the eyes could get at least 12 weeks on the sideline.

While the changes won’t be enforced until January 3 and were signed off at a meeting in Europe in the first week of November involving all international referees involved in this test window, it also comes after relentless furore from Ireland after All Blacks flanker Sam Cane escaped suspension and Malakai Fekitoa copped a one-week ban for high shots in their win in Dublin last week.

New Zealand Rugby high performance referee manager Rod Hill, who attended the European meeting, endorsed the harsh stance around any contact with the head.

Hill has no sympathy for oldschool sentiments that cry foul about dumbing down or softening the game. Rather, he believes powerbrokers are right to try minimise damage caused by concussion-related injuries.

‘‘Personally I don’t support that approach at all. We’re better to see a constructive game of rugby than we are thuggery that’s going to likely maim someone,’’ Hill said. ‘‘Anything that ends up connecting with the head is going to have a close watch.

‘‘We hear a lot of people talk about the big hits but we’ve got to consider the health and welfare of the players first and foremost.’’

Hill acknowledges the initial spinoffs of the changes could mean more yellow and red cards; more influence from television match officials, which slows the game, and the risk of players attempting to milk penalties.

‘‘Prior to the Rugby World Cup last year there was a clear message given to all national unions and teams about players gesticulating to referees – overuse of the arms and pleading with them – that it wasn’t going to be tolerated. I don’t think there’s been any relaxing around any of that but it is definitely there.

‘‘We’re pretty keen on keeping that out of the game unlike a couple of other sports where it’s very obvious at times. Every culture operates different emotionally.

‘‘Our guys tend to be a bit more laid-back compared to some other cultures but that’s just a matter of dealing with it.

‘‘The aim initially is to do it through a collaborative approach with coaches, players and referees working together.

‘‘There might be a little bubble in the short term but then people

Anything that ends up connecting with the head is going to have a close watch.’ ROD HILL

should understand and techniques will be adapted in a way so we won’t see a sustained increase in the level of cards. ‘‘I hate seeing 15 against 14.’’ World Rugby vice-chairman Agustin Pichot has been one of the leading critics surrounding