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The Current State of Rugby

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  • Victor MeldrewV Victor Meldrew

    Following on from @MajorRage 's post on NH Rugby. The game is huge in Cornwall and a few rugby-types have expressed some real concern about the state of the amateur game.

    Drop-off in participation which may be down to Covid and things will improve. At the junior level there's a worry that parents are seeing the game as dangerous with the talk about dementia and concussion

    Concerns about insurance and medical claims

    Feeling distanced by the RFU and that people who hold the money-bags like club owners don't have the roots of the game as a priority.

    MiketheSnowM Offline
    MiketheSnowM Offline
    MiketheSnow
    wrote on last edited by
    #367

    @Victor-Meldrew said in The Current State of Rugby:

    Following on from @MajorRage 's post on NH Rugby. The game is huge in Cornwall and a few rugby-types have expressed some real concern about the state of the amateur game.

    At the junior level there's a worry that parents are seeing the game as dangerous with the talk about dementia and concussion

    Eliminating contact and tackling at the lower age groups is a factor I think

    The younger you can learn the fundamentals of any sport, the better your technique will be

    Look at something like gymnastics

    Learning to tackle properly when the game is slower and the players (and ergo impact) are much smaller would bring through a generation of players who can grow into their bodies and the game

    Just like it was when I began playing organised rugby in 1974 (8 years old)

    canefanC NepiaN Chris B.C taniwharugbyT 4 Replies Last reply
    1
    • MiketheSnowM MiketheSnow

      @Victor-Meldrew said in The Current State of Rugby:

      Following on from @MajorRage 's post on NH Rugby. The game is huge in Cornwall and a few rugby-types have expressed some real concern about the state of the amateur game.

      At the junior level there's a worry that parents are seeing the game as dangerous with the talk about dementia and concussion

      Eliminating contact and tackling at the lower age groups is a factor I think

      The younger you can learn the fundamentals of any sport, the better your technique will be

      Look at something like gymnastics

      Learning to tackle properly when the game is slower and the players (and ergo impact) are much smaller would bring through a generation of players who can grow into their bodies and the game

      Just like it was when I began playing organised rugby in 1974 (8 years old)

      canefanC Offline
      canefanC Offline
      canefan
      wrote on last edited by
      #368

      @MiketheSnow said in The Current State of Rugby:

      @Victor-Meldrew said in The Current State of Rugby:

      Following on from @MajorRage 's post on NH Rugby. The game is huge in Cornwall and a few rugby-types have expressed some real concern about the state of the amateur game.

      At the junior level there's a worry that parents are seeing the game as dangerous with the talk about dementia and concussion

      Eliminating contact and tackling at the lower age groups is a factor I think

      The younger you can learn the fundamentals of any sport, the better your technique will be

      Look at something like gymnastics

      Learning to tackle properly when the game is slower and the players (and ergo impact) are much smaller would bring through a generation of players who can grow into their bodies and the game

      Just like it was when I began playing organised rugby in 1974 (8 years old)

      Ball and all upright tackles are a relatively new phenomenon. Back when I was young all the test players tackled around the waist or the legs. And rucking did a great job of self regulating rucks

      1 Reply Last reply
      3
      • TimT Tim

        Andy Powell's clothes-line on McCaw was one of the worst offences I've seen.

        J Offline
        J Offline
        junior
        wrote on last edited by
        #369

        @Tim said in The Current State of Rugby:

        Andy Powell's clothes-line on McCaw was one of the worst offences I've seen.

        Hartley on McCaw, Skinstad on McCaw, Greyling on McCaw…

        I am very skeptical about The cries of player safety from WR and the NH generally - completely self serving and cynical and their relative silence when it’s SH rugby players’ heads being bashed in is deafening

        TimT 1 Reply Last reply
        6
        • MiketheSnowM MiketheSnow

          @Victor-Meldrew said in The Current State of Rugby:

          Following on from @MajorRage 's post on NH Rugby. The game is huge in Cornwall and a few rugby-types have expressed some real concern about the state of the amateur game.

          At the junior level there's a worry that parents are seeing the game as dangerous with the talk about dementia and concussion

          Eliminating contact and tackling at the lower age groups is a factor I think

          The younger you can learn the fundamentals of any sport, the better your technique will be

          Look at something like gymnastics

          Learning to tackle properly when the game is slower and the players (and ergo impact) are much smaller would bring through a generation of players who can grow into their bodies and the game

          Just like it was when I began playing organised rugby in 1974 (8 years old)

          NepiaN Offline
          NepiaN Offline
          Nepia
          wrote on last edited by
          #370

          @MiketheSnow said in The Current State of Rugby:

          @Victor-Meldrew said in The Current State of Rugby:

          Following on from @MajorRage 's post on NH Rugby. The game is huge in Cornwall and a few rugby-types have expressed some real concern about the state of the amateur game.

          At the junior level there's a worry that parents are seeing the game as dangerous with the talk about dementia and concussion

          Eliminating contact and tackling at the lower age groups is a factor I think

          The younger you can learn the fundamentals of any sport, the better your technique will be

          Look at something like gymnastics

          Learning to tackle properly when the game is slower and the players (and ergo impact) are much smaller would bring through a generation of players who can grow into their bodies and the game

          Just like it was when I began playing organised rugby in 1974 (8 years old)

          Yep old man 😉 , I agree, I find it odd when I hear tackle rugby is banned for younger kids. Realistically they're not going to get seriously injured at that age and as you note it's better to build the techniques from a young age.

          1 Reply Last reply
          2
          • J junior

            @Tim said in The Current State of Rugby:

            Andy Powell's clothes-line on McCaw was one of the worst offences I've seen.

            Hartley on McCaw, Skinstad on McCaw, Greyling on McCaw…

            I am very skeptical about The cries of player safety from WR and the NH generally - completely self serving and cynical and their relative silence when it’s SH rugby players’ heads being bashed in is deafening

            TimT Away
            TimT Away
            Tim
            wrote on last edited by
            #371

            @junior Indeed, where are all the articles condemning the missed red cards in the 3rd test?

            J 1 Reply Last reply
            1
            • MiketheSnowM MiketheSnow

              @Victor-Meldrew said in The Current State of Rugby:

              Following on from @MajorRage 's post on NH Rugby. The game is huge in Cornwall and a few rugby-types have expressed some real concern about the state of the amateur game.

              At the junior level there's a worry that parents are seeing the game as dangerous with the talk about dementia and concussion

              Eliminating contact and tackling at the lower age groups is a factor I think

              The younger you can learn the fundamentals of any sport, the better your technique will be

              Look at something like gymnastics

              Learning to tackle properly when the game is slower and the players (and ergo impact) are much smaller would bring through a generation of players who can grow into their bodies and the game

              Just like it was when I began playing organised rugby in 1974 (8 years old)

              Chris B.C Offline
              Chris B.C Offline
              Chris B.
              wrote on last edited by
              #372

              @MiketheSnow You're a similar vintage to me.

              We were always coached to "Go low" in the 1970s, and it was only toward the end of my rugby career that the higher wrap tackles became fashionable (and effective).

              But, there were still plenty of concussion incidents. Going low means front on tackles with knees pumping and hips -as the article writer acknowledges.

              Who gets sent off? - The concussed tackler for poor technique? - Frankly, maybe they should?

              I do recall one of the outstanding players in our region having to give up aged 16 due to multiple concussions. I got my nose broken in an aerial collision that was a pure accident - then and now - also under 16s.

              It's a game of collisions. There's going to be many injuries and many concussions whatever you do.

              canefanC 1 Reply Last reply
              3
              • Chris B.C Chris B.

                @MiketheSnow You're a similar vintage to me.

                We were always coached to "Go low" in the 1970s, and it was only toward the end of my rugby career that the higher wrap tackles became fashionable (and effective).

                But, there were still plenty of concussion incidents. Going low means front on tackles with knees pumping and hips -as the article writer acknowledges.

                Who gets sent off? - The concussed tackler for poor technique? - Frankly, maybe they should?

                I do recall one of the outstanding players in our region having to give up aged 16 due to multiple concussions. I got my nose broken in an aerial collision that was a pure accident - then and now - also under 16s.

                It's a game of collisions. There's going to be many injuries and many concussions whatever you do.

                canefanC Offline
                canefanC Offline
                canefan
                wrote on last edited by
                #373

                @Chris-B said in The Current State of Rugby:

                @MiketheSnow You're a similar vintage to me.

                We were always coached to "Go low" in the 1970s, and it was only toward the end of my rugby career that the higher wrap tackles became fashionable (and effective).

                But, there were still plenty of concussion incidents. Going low means front on tackles with knees pumping and hips -as the article writer acknowledges.

                Who gets sent off? - The concussed tackler for poor technique? - Frankly, maybe they should?

                I do recall one of the outstanding players in our region having to give up aged 16 due to multiple concussions. I got my nose broken in an aerial collision that was a pure accident - then and now - also under 16s.

                It's a game of collisions. There's going to be many injuries and many concussions whatever you do.

                It's not tiddlywinks

                1 Reply Last reply
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                • nzzpN Online
                  nzzpN Online
                  nzzp
                  wrote on last edited by
                  #374

                  Just watching a random non-warriors NRL game. Full stadium - small but full, simple game, but a fair bit of physical confrontation and skill. It's understandable, unlike Rugby, TMO is quick and rare to get involved. I don't think I've seen anyone playing the ref ... and just seen two head contacts with nothing happening.

                  Honestly, if NRL was on in primtime in NZ, Rugby would really suffer. And I say this as a long term rugby nerd. Right now the game's a bit fucked. NRL may have a simpler sport, but it's far more watchable right now.

                  Dan54D 1 Reply Last reply
                  4
                  • TimT Tim

                    @junior Indeed, where are all the articles condemning the missed red cards in the 3rd test?

                    J Offline
                    J Offline
                    junior
                    wrote on last edited by
                    #375

                    @Tim said in The Current State of Rugby:

                    @junior Indeed, where are all the articles condemning the missed red cards in the 3rd test?

                    I don’t know the answer to this question, but I wonder how many actual players are pushing the current regulations with respect to head contact? I ask because they have the most at stake in this issue and yet I hear very little from them. Most people who have strong opinions on this are ex players - fair enough - and pundits.

                    The latter seem to be the loudest voices in the discussions and the most vociferous in arguing for the harshest sanctions for incidental / accidental head contact. I don’t know whether the former players are advocating for reds in all cases.

                    I say all this because I would believe in the current approach if it was being driven by those who are most at risk. But it’s not - it’s being driven mainly by the pundits who scream the loudest

                    1 Reply Last reply
                    1
                    • broughieB Offline
                      broughieB Offline
                      broughie
                      wrote on last edited by
                      #376

                      Since players are bigger and faster now I’m sure making the field 5 meters wider each side would provide more space and open up the game more. Might limit some collisions as well. Or we could reduce to 13 players?

                      1 Reply Last reply
                      0
                      • MiketheSnowM MiketheSnow

                        @Victor-Meldrew said in The Current State of Rugby:

                        Following on from @MajorRage 's post on NH Rugby. The game is huge in Cornwall and a few rugby-types have expressed some real concern about the state of the amateur game.

                        At the junior level there's a worry that parents are seeing the game as dangerous with the talk about dementia and concussion

                        Eliminating contact and tackling at the lower age groups is a factor I think

                        The younger you can learn the fundamentals of any sport, the better your technique will be

                        Look at something like gymnastics

                        Learning to tackle properly when the game is slower and the players (and ergo impact) are much smaller would bring through a generation of players who can grow into their bodies and the game

                        Just like it was when I began playing organised rugby in 1974 (8 years old)

                        taniwharugbyT Offline
                        taniwharugbyT Offline
                        taniwharugby
                        wrote on last edited by
                        #377

                        @MiketheSnow that's always been my argument against soccer mom mentality.

                        Teach them correct techniques when they and opposition are smaller slower and less skilled, it becomes ingrained when they are bigger stronger faster.

                        When I coached TR jnr, they played rippa the 1st year, by end of that year you could see most wanted to and were ready for tackle,one of the best tacklers in the team was a small guy so most often they were ankle tackles, as he go bigger he could go a bit higher but stomach was his fave target to iit someone.

                        He, like half the team also played a couple of seasons of league when they were 6 - 8 years old.

                        1 Reply Last reply
                        1
                        • nzzpN nzzp

                          Just watching a random non-warriors NRL game. Full stadium - small but full, simple game, but a fair bit of physical confrontation and skill. It's understandable, unlike Rugby, TMO is quick and rare to get involved. I don't think I've seen anyone playing the ref ... and just seen two head contacts with nothing happening.

                          Honestly, if NRL was on in primtime in NZ, Rugby would really suffer. And I say this as a long term rugby nerd. Right now the game's a bit fucked. NRL may have a simpler sport, but it's far more watchable right now.

                          Dan54D Offline
                          Dan54D Offline
                          Dan54
                          wrote on last edited by
                          #378

                          @nzzp said in The Current State of Rugby:

                          Just watching a random non-warriors NRL game. Full stadium - small but full, simple game, but a fair bit of physical confrontation and skill. It's understandable, unlike Rugby, TMO is quick and rare to get involved. I don't think I've seen anyone playing the ref ... and just seen two head contacts with nothing happening.

                          Honestly, if NRL was on in primtime in NZ, Rugby would really suffer. And I say this as a long term rugby nerd. Right now the game's a bit fucked. NRL may have a simpler sport, but it's far more watchable right now.

                          Funny mate, when I moved to Aus (in about 1997) I thought I might get into League. but funnily enough it killed any interest I had in game. First year I was there was given some tickets to State of Origin, and actually had to leave as it I found it too almost choreographed or something, I sat there not knowing a hell of a lot about game, but could see exactly what was going to happen seemingly The lack of competition for ball killed it). After that I couldn't even watch game on tv (even though it probably a tv game). I actually watched more games of AFL then league in my 24 years in Aus, and probably onlsy saw a dozen of them.
                          Though I can understand that some like league etc just not for me at all.

                          KiwiwombleK 1 Reply Last reply
                          4
                          • CrucialC Offline
                            CrucialC Offline
                            Crucial
                            wrote on last edited by
                            #379

                            It's really only at the pro level that rugby is in a mess. The game was never meant to be based on power. It is meant to a game for all shapes and sizes to use their sets of skills.
                            Now it is all about collisions and you wonder why that causes problems.
                            You can't change the fundamentals as they still apply to grass roots but what can be done is to go back to applying the laws the way they were intended instead of loose interpretations in some desire to make it more of a product.
                            I'm talking about things like binding. The laws clearly state that a bind is NOT a touch or grab but an arm. That flows through to players joining breakdowns with a touch before a big impact. Duh!

                            Dan54D 1 Reply Last reply
                            7
                            • CrucialC Crucial

                              It's really only at the pro level that rugby is in a mess. The game was never meant to be based on power. It is meant to a game for all shapes and sizes to use their sets of skills.
                              Now it is all about collisions and you wonder why that causes problems.
                              You can't change the fundamentals as they still apply to grass roots but what can be done is to go back to applying the laws the way they were intended instead of loose interpretations in some desire to make it more of a product.
                              I'm talking about things like binding. The laws clearly state that a bind is NOT a touch or grab but an arm. That flows through to players joining breakdowns with a touch before a big impact. Duh!

                              Dan54D Offline
                              Dan54D Offline
                              Dan54
                              wrote on last edited by Dan54
                              #380

                              @Crucial said in The Current State of Rugby:

                              It's really only at the pro level that rugby is in a mess. The game was never meant to be based on power. It is meant to a game for all shapes and sizes to use their sets of skills.
                              Now it is all about collisions and you wonder why that causes problems.
                              You can't change the fundamentals as they still apply to grass roots but what can be done is to go back to applying the laws the way they were intended instead of loose interpretations in some desire to make it more of a product.
                              I'm talking about things like binding. The laws clearly state that a bind is NOT a touch or grab but an arm. That flows through to players joining breakdowns with a touch before a big impact. Duh!

                              Couldn't agree more, I know I been told by a couple of posters to f*** of etc because I say I enjoy the amatuer games etc but I still find it bloody great to watch, and as you say all shapes and sizes getting out there and actually trying to use skill to win games etc. I even find that at U15 level etc you actually really enjoy seeing the skills etc used to try and beat defence!

                              1 Reply Last reply
                              4
                              • CrucialC Offline
                                CrucialC Offline
                                Crucial
                                wrote on last edited by
                                #381

                                Some of the ways 7s is adjudicated might be beneficial. Very little tolerance for going off your feet past the ball for example.
                                Very little tolerance for high tackles as well but often just a penalty and get going again. Maybe a 5 minute bin would work. Get the game moving.

                                While I'm at it WTF is with these called for drinks breaks? What a joke. Just being used like an NFL timeout.
                                I hate the endless running on of support staff but this isn't the solution, this is worse. The players don't even need a drink, they just squirt it on themselves and talk tactics while catching their breath.
                                Based on evidence from the FPC we are going to find the NPC very painful to watch in this regard.
                                Who are the muppets that think these things up without putting their coaches hats on and thinking how it will be used?
                                Water on the sidelines, there's plenty of opportunity to grab one if you really need it OR strictly enforce keeping the game moving. Get the staff off the field or get penalised.

                                taniwharugbyT 1 Reply Last reply
                                5
                                • CrucialC Crucial

                                  Some of the ways 7s is adjudicated might be beneficial. Very little tolerance for going off your feet past the ball for example.
                                  Very little tolerance for high tackles as well but often just a penalty and get going again. Maybe a 5 minute bin would work. Get the game moving.

                                  While I'm at it WTF is with these called for drinks breaks? What a joke. Just being used like an NFL timeout.
                                  I hate the endless running on of support staff but this isn't the solution, this is worse. The players don't even need a drink, they just squirt it on themselves and talk tactics while catching their breath.
                                  Based on evidence from the FPC we are going to find the NPC very painful to watch in this regard.
                                  Who are the muppets that think these things up without putting their coaches hats on and thinking how it will be used?
                                  Water on the sidelines, there's plenty of opportunity to grab one if you really need it OR strictly enforce keeping the game moving. Get the staff off the field or get penalised.

                                  taniwharugbyT Offline
                                  taniwharugbyT Offline
                                  taniwharugby
                                  wrote on last edited by
                                  #382

                                  @Crucial more stoppages will just alow for bigger less fit and mobile players to be used.

                                  1 Reply Last reply
                                  3
                                  • M Offline
                                    M Offline
                                    Machpants
                                    wrote on last edited by
                                    #383

                                    I don't watch League, but auto card if head contact? No protocols just of they go? Might have to go that way

                                    https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/league/129433720/nrl-claims-high-tackle-crackdown-has-slashed-concussions-by-43

                                    MiketheSnowM 1 Reply Last reply
                                    0
                                    • M Machpants

                                      I don't watch League, but auto card if head contact? No protocols just of they go? Might have to go that way

                                      https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/league/129433720/nrl-claims-high-tackle-crackdown-has-slashed-concussions-by-43

                                      MiketheSnowM Offline
                                      MiketheSnowM Offline
                                      MiketheSnow
                                      wrote on last edited by
                                      #384

                                      @Machpants said in The Current State of Rugby:

                                      I don't watch League, but auto card if head contact? No protocols just of they go? Might have to go that way

                                      https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/league/129433720/nrl-claims-high-tackle-crackdown-has-slashed-concussions-by-43

                                      Hoo fucking ray

                                      There is an answer

                                      M 1 Reply Last reply
                                      0
                                      • MiketheSnowM MiketheSnow

                                        @Machpants said in The Current State of Rugby:

                                        I don't watch League, but auto card if head contact? No protocols just of they go? Might have to go that way

                                        https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/league/129433720/nrl-claims-high-tackle-crackdown-has-slashed-concussions-by-43

                                        Hoo fucking ray

                                        There is an answer

                                        M Offline
                                        M Offline
                                        Machpants
                                        wrote on last edited by
                                        #385

                                        @MiketheSnow said in The Current State of Rugby:

                                        @Machpants said in The Current State of Rugby:

                                        I don't watch League, but auto card if head contact? No protocols just of they go? Might have to go that way

                                        https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/league/129433720/nrl-claims-high-tackle-crackdown-has-slashed-concussions-by-43

                                        Hoo fucking ray

                                        There is an answer

                                        Note yellow cards equivalent

                                        MiketheSnowM 1 Reply Last reply
                                        2
                                        • M Machpants

                                          @MiketheSnow said in The Current State of Rugby:

                                          @Machpants said in The Current State of Rugby:

                                          I don't watch League, but auto card if head contact? No protocols just of they go? Might have to go that way

                                          https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/league/129433720/nrl-claims-high-tackle-crackdown-has-slashed-concussions-by-43

                                          Hoo fucking ray

                                          There is an answer

                                          Note yellow cards equivalent

                                          MiketheSnowM Offline
                                          MiketheSnowM Offline
                                          MiketheSnow
                                          wrote on last edited by
                                          #386

                                          @Machpants said in The Current State of Rugby:

                                          @MiketheSnow said in The Current State of Rugby:

                                          @Machpants said in The Current State of Rugby:

                                          I don't watch League, but auto card if head contact? No protocols just of they go? Might have to go that way

                                          https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/league/129433720/nrl-claims-high-tackle-crackdown-has-slashed-concussions-by-43

                                          Hoo fucking ray

                                          There is an answer

                                          Note yellow cards equivalent

                                          That's a work on

                                          It's the consistency and rapidity of decision that's heartening

                                          CrucialC 1 Reply Last reply
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