The latest rugby headlines on Thursday, January 26.
RFU warned of 'player exodus' after tackle height change
The Rugby Football Union could face a no-confidence vote after its decision to lower the legal tackle height to the waist across English community rugby sparked a backlash among grassroots clubs.
The radical move, which will come into force next season, was unanimously approved by RFU Council members last week in an attempt to support player welfare, notably reducing head impact exposure. It will apply across the community game - clubs, schools, colleges and universities at both age-grade and adult levels - covering the National One division and below in the men's game and Championship One and below in the women's game from July 1.
However, The Times have reported that around 200 grassroots clubs have joined forces to call for a special general meeting of the RFU, having been angered by what they see as a lack of consultation.
A Welsh MP has also weighed into the debate, warning that the game faces a "player exodus" to rugby league if the RFU presses ahead with the changes.
Speaking in the Commons, Stephen Crabb, MP for Preseli Pembrokeshire, congratulated Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle on becoming the new president of the Rugby Football League before adding: "I suspect your form of the game is going to see a big influx of new players as the English Rugby Football Union seeks to rewrite the rules of the union game.
"So could I ask the minister that given that 75,000 players, coaches, supporters of the union game have already signed a petition rejecting the new rules, does he agree with me that the RFU should think again, should work more collaboratively with the grassroots across all home nations and ensure all steps taken to improve player safety are consistent, workable and don't lead to a player exodus?"
Following the backlash, the RFU said: "We understand the rugby community has a range of questions in reaction to the recent announcement that the tackle height is to be lowered across the community game from next season. We recognise the change is challenging, and the community game has understandably provided significant feedback on the change.
"However, the large body of scientific evidence strongly indicates that it will reduce the incidence of head injuries in the community game. There will be further discussions with Council members during the next few days before further details on the intent and details around the changes are published to the wider game."
'Shot clock' to be trialled for first time
New 'shot clock' technology is set to be used for the first time this weekend as part of World Rugby's plans to speed up the game.
Premiership Rugby has confirmed that the technology will be trialled in its next round of matches, with kickers having to take conversions within 90 seconds of a try being scored. Penalties must also be kicked within 60 seconds of being awarded.
“The shot clock technology will be tested for the first time in a live match setting with match officials and timekeepers briefed on the introduction ahead of the weekend’s matches,” the league confirmed in a statement. “Throughout the trial phase, the existing processes by which referees determine the time permitted for the kicker will remain in place to maintain the sporting integrity of the competition.
“Fans in the ground will be able to see the shot clock operating at the end of the electronic advertising hoardings, with some grounds also featuring it on their big screens as well."
Once tested, the shot clock system could be implemented in full across the 11 Premiership clubs, with on-screen graphics systems being developed for broadcasters, including BT Sport and ITV.
Hogg tipped for Japan switch
Scotland talisman Stuart Hogg has been linked with a surprise move to Japanese rugby after his former team-mate admitted he had spoken to him about life in the Far East.
Former Scotland captain Greig Laidlaw suggested that Hogg could be tempted to join him in Japan, having retired from international rugby in 2019 and moving to Urayasu D-Rocks, who are now in the country's second division.
Laidlaw, who is considering moving into a coaching role with the club side, revealed that the Exeter Chiefs star had asked him about life in Japan and admitted that a few players are "turning their heads" as they look for new opportunities in their playing careers.
“I have spoken to Stuart a few times – and a couple of other players as well,” he said. “It seems they like the sound of the short seasons in Japan. Stuart is still in contract at Exeter as far as I’m aware, but I have spoken to a few players who are turning their heads and are potentially looking for something different. It is a great place to come and play for a few years, especially if like me you are at the end of your career.
“There are two or three things that are intriguing to players. One is the length of the season because it is a lot shorter here. Also, if you want a different challenge, culturally and with a completely different language, players will look at it. Thirdly there is the financial aspect, not just because you can earn good money, but there is stability in many ways because all the clubs are owned by big companies."
He added: "Most of the Japanese boys are employed by the companies and do a bit of work for them as well as playing rugby. That system works really well. The way that a lot of the South African players are doing it, they are actually playing here in Japan for Japanese clubs, making use of that short season, and then going back to South Africa. It is a model that can work for boys who still want to play international rugby.”
Former Scarlets head coach lands new role with Six Nations side
Ex-All Blacks coach Brad Mooar has taken up a new role with Scotland on the eve of the Six Nations. The 48-year-old, who also spent one year at the helm of the Scarlets between 2019 and 2020, has joined Gregor Townsend's team as an attack coach on a consultancy basis.
Mooar, who left his role as All Blacks assistant coach last year, has joined on a short-term basis after he "connected with" Townsend during his time at Parc y Scarlets.
"There are going to be two people supporting me,” said Townsend. “I will still be coaching more of the attack. Pete Horne is going to come in. He has a couple of areas he is going to work with. He has done really well with Glasgow and he is still with Glasgow but they don’t play for the first two rounds.
“Brad Mooar is coming in for the whole championship. Brad was the Scarlets head coach and was with the All Blacks until August. He will come in on a consultancy role and we will see what that looks like."
S4C to show European rugby knockouts
After all four Welsh regions qualified for the last 16 of the Heineken Champions Cup and EPCR Challenge Cup, S4C has confirmed it will be showing three live matches from the first knockout round.
Over the weekend of March 31 to April 2, there will be coverage of two EPCR Challenge Cup matches and one from the Heineken Champions Cup, on S4C and S4C Clic.
On Friday, March 31, Scarlets' Challenge Cup clash with Brive will be shown live, kicking off at 8pm. The following day, on April 1, there will be live coverage of Cardiff v Sale in the same competition, also getting underway at 8pm, while Ospreys' encounter with Saracens in the Champions Cup will also be shown live at 3pm on Sunday, April 2.
Rhys ap William, Lauren Jenkins, Gareth Roberts and Gwyn Jones will lead the coverage as they find out which of the teams will progress to the quarter-finals.
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