The Ireland captain, Johnny Sexton, has criticised the Rugby Football Union’s decision to lower the legal tackle height to the waist at amateur level in England next season. Sexton’s views were echoed by Andy Farrell, the Ireland head coach and former England assistant, who said players could become “sitting ducks” at greater risk of injury.
The RFU has faced a fierce backlash since last week’s announcement with the England internationals Joe Marler and Lewis Ludlow joining amateur players and coaches in condemning the move. The England Test cricket captain, Ben Stokes, even voiced his disapproval and an online petition attracted 30,000 signatures in a day.
