As the debate over the tackle law continues, England’s most-capped male player, Ben Youngs, insists that the benefits of rugby union outweigh the risks.
Last week, the Rugby Football Union (RFU) announced that the legal tackle height will be reduced to the waist.
From July, all levels below the Premiership, Championship, and Premier 15s will be affected by the law change.
The announcement sparked a fierce backlash from the community game, which had not been consulted about the change.
Over 250 clubs have signed on to the call for an RFU Special General Meeting.
Leicester scrum half Youngs, who has 121 caps to his name, also volunteers at Market Harborough RFC, where his son plays mini rugby.
Youngs believes the new law requires “clarity,” which the RFU has promised to provide, and that lowering the legal tackle to “chest height” would improve safety while also making the law more enforceable at all levels of the game.
“I’m sure a little clarity and assistance will go a long way,” he added.
“I know all of the local coaches, everyone at the grassroots level, the referees, everyone who gives up their time for the community game that I go to on Sundays, and I believe that clarity is also required for them.
“I believe that from the chest down is probably safe enough.”
RFU council members will seek advice from clubs on the new tackle heights law.
Premier League coaches are concerned about tackle changes in the community game.
Youngs, 33, adds that many sports have inherent risks and that he would like rugby union to keep its core principles while also working to improve safety.