When two rugby worlds collide, concussion is the outcome. Five players sustained head injuries during the draw between Saracens and Exeter last Saturday, but only one was due to a high/reckless/dangerous tackle. The rest were suffered by the tackler, going low and not getting his head position right.
World Rugby’s two new laws govern tackles that involve contact with the head. Those who say there is nothing new about them and that they are a re-emphasis of what was already written down, should look at the governing body’s website which describes them as “new laws to address reckless and accidental tackles”. They are part of the drive to reduce the number of concussion cases in rugby union.
Related: Rugby union’s new tackle laws: what are they and will they make a difference? | Michael Aylwin
Related: Rugby union weekend talking points from the Premiership and Europe
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