The RFU have announced plans for a new ‘nationwide network of Tackle Champions’, to promote proper tackle technique across England’s grass roots rugby clubs. The RFU is currently recruiting for volunteers to lead the way as Tackle Champions, following the recent change to the legal tackling height, to waist and below.
The England Rugby website states; “Signing up to be a Tackle Champion will involve you participating in a season-long programme of in person, virtual and digital support from England Rugby to develop your technical/tactical knowledge and your ability to transfer this knowledge to the coaches in your organisation. We’ll ask you to go back to your club, school, college or university and proactively support coaches to develop their tackle coaching practice.”
Back in January, the RFU approved to change the law regarding tackle height across the community game. This decision was made to reduce the likelihood of head injuries, with the changes coming into fruition for the 2023/24 season. The RFU put the changes into play for all men’s divisions below the Gallagher Premiership and RFU Championship, and all women’s divisions below the Allianz Premier 15s.