Game much safer, says World Rugby

THE controversial crackdown on high tackles employed at the 2019 Rugby World Cup has helped contribute to a dramatic reduction in the number of concussions in the tournament.

World Rugby has announced the event held in Japan saw an overall 28% decease in head injuries with a 37% reduction in concussions during tackle situations.

World Rugby’s High Tackle Sanction Framework, which provides a step-by-step method for grading and sanctioning a high tackle, was much criticised during the tournament.

Yellow cards at the tournament increased by 74% and red cards by 138% compared to elite competitions the previous year.

But the number of injuries per 1,000 player hours also dropped compared to the previous Rugby World Cup in 2015, from 90 injuries down to 83.

World Rugby chairman Bill Beaumont said: “These hugely encouraging outcomes of this study endorse our unwavering evidence-based commitment to injury prevention, particularly our continued efforts to protect players from concussive events on the rugby field wherever possible.

“The significant reduction in concussion incidence provides compelling evidence of what can be achieved when competition owners, match officials, disciplinary officers, players and coaches fully buy in to the High Tackle Sanction Framework.

“Failure to do so can have significant player welfare and performance consequences.”

World Rugby said it was also evaluating a “High Tackle Technique Warning” as part of new law trials.

It said the aim was to motivate changes in player and coaching behaviour by issuing off-field sanctions for poor tackle technique and rewarding positive behaviour.