I’m interested to see how the latest law modifications to reduce concussions are going to pan out in rugby league.
For a trial period over four rounds of RFL Academy games in June and July, the legal tackle height will be reduced to below the armpit at initial contact. And, secondly, kick-offs will be taken from 10m further forward – on the opposition’s 40m line rather than halfway – to reduce the impact of ensuing collisions. It’s on the back of a three-year research project across the sport led by Leeds Beckett University.
It’s more positive steps to lessen the risks of concussion and receiving concussions which is good news. And rugby league have got it right by targeting a trial period rather than doing a ‘like it or lump it’ style. It’s certainly taken some lessons from how rugby union messed things up. They initially decided on no tackling above the waist which was met with real opposition.
