Backdoor RL or Gateway RU?

[CunningPunter]

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union ... 04082z1rzo

If it stops or even reverses the decline in schools playing rugby and encourages new entrants to the game, bring it on. Much like short-form cricket.

[Banquo]

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union ... 04082z1rzo

If it stops or even reverses the decline in schools playing rugby and encourages new entrants to the game, bring it on. Much like short-form cricket.

Very much in two minds on this.

[Epaminondas Pules]

Where are they going to find the teachers to coach this in schools?

[Oakboy]

50 years ago my Canadian cousin visited and went with me to a junior rugby match. He could not believe full-on contact was allowed. In his college up to a certain age (15?), tackling was snatching a flag from the opponent's waistband.

[fivepointer]

If it gets kids interested in the game, then its a good thing I reckon. Taking away the contact element can help youngsters into the game and does remove possibility of injury that can put off many.

[twitchy]

Absolutely no issue with this. I think in the long run it will filter more players into the sport that might have missed out. It could also raise the skill levels from an earlier age.

[Timbo]

I’d be interested to know the statistics around injuries playing rugby as a school boy. Really not sure it’s especially dangerous at that age. Even at six form level the contacts are not anything extraordinary.

Anecdotally the 2 worst injuries I saw in 7 years at school were an open fracture from a kid twisting his ankle doing x country & a wicket keeper who couldn’t catch & had all his front teeth knocked out. Not one serious rugby injury.

[Oakboy]

One injury at school brings a smile to my face still. Playing softball (baseball witha bigger ball), a lad really whacked one but it travelled flat at head height until it poleaxed one of the fielders, catching him on the forehead. Inevitably, as young teenagers we fell about laughing. The chuckle in hindsight relates to the extent of the bollocking meted out by the sportsmaster because none of us caught the rebound (his only apparent concern). The casualty eventually picked himself up and carried on. I dread to think what repercussions would follow such an incident now.

[Banquo]

I’d be interested to know the statistics around injuries playing rugby as a school boy. Really not sure it’s especially dangerous at that age. Even at six form level the contacts are not anything extraordinary.

Anecdotally the 2 worst injuries I saw in 7 years at school were an open fracture from a kid twisting his ankle doing x country & a wicket keeper who couldn’t catch & had all his front teeth knocked out. Not one serious rugby injury.

Agreed and it’s about good coaching and technique tbh.

[Mellsblue]

Changing the Game: the Future of Schools Rugby in England report:

https://rfu.widen.net/s/cwxvbglbtw/chan ... ort-review