Rugby's High Tackle Crisis: Coaches Must Take Responsibility to Protect Players

The Growing Concern Over Head-on-Head Collisions in Rugby

Recent incidents in both the men's and women's Six Nations tournaments have reignited the debate about player safety in rugby union. Former England women's head coach Simon Middleton has proposed a radical solution: banning head coaches from matches if their players repeatedly commit dangerous head-on-head tackles.

Current Situation and Proposed Solution

• Recent incidents:
  • France's Gabrielle Vernier red-carded against Ireland (Women's Six Nations)
  • Wales' Georgia Evans receiving second yellow vs Scotland
  • Ireland's Garry Ringrose red card in men's tournament
• Middleton's proposal:
  • Three illegal head-on-head tackles → one-match touchline ban for head coach
  • "The buck stops with the head coach" - accountability measure
  • Aims to make defensive coaches "more diligent" about techniques

Lessons from the 2022 World Cup Final

Middleton reflects on England's painful lesson in the World Cup final against New Zealand, where:

• Lydia Thompson's high tackle resulted in early red card
• England played most of match with 14 players
• Ultimately lost the final
• "We paid a huge price... we have to be accountable"

Coaching Techniques Making a Difference

Case study: Japan women's team under Lesley McKenzie

• Double tackle system:
  • One player tackles low (legs)
  • Second player targets the ball (prevents offloads)
• Results:
  • Minimal cards for high tackles
  • Few penalties for head contact
  • "Technically outstanding" approach

Balancing Safety and Entertainment

Middleton argues that better tackling techniques actually improve the game:

• Fewer stoppages for video reviews
• Maintains flow of the game
• Debunks myth that lower tackling leads to more offloads
• "You can still tackle on the ball safely"

The Bigger Picture

• 300+ former players in legal action over brain injuries
• World Rugby's ongoing safety initiatives
• Coaching education as key solution
• "Huge investment and spotlight on that area"

Moving Forward

The rugby world must consider:

1. Strengthening coaching accountability
2. Implementing Middleton's proposed measures
3. Promoting safer tackling techniques globally
4. Maintaining the sport's physicality while protecting players
5. Learning from successful models like Japan's approach

"Reducing head contact is moving in the right direction," says Middleton, "but we must accelerate this progress through decisive action."