New RFU tackle plan could leave players more vulnerable, says Farrell

IRELAND coach Andy Farrell fears that waist-high tackle limits for community rugby could make children "sitting ducks" but until the RFU expands on their radical plans, it will be English chiefs in the firing line.

- Nick Purewal

Former England coach Farrell revealed his worries over RFU plans for the English community game at yesterday's Guinness Six Nations launch in London.

Both Farrell and Ireland captain Johnny Sexton criticised the RFU move to impose a waist-high tackle limit from men's level three and women's level two downwards as soon as next season.

An online petition against the RFU changes launched by Old Reigatians fly-half Ed Bartlett has now amassed almost 70,000 signatures, as opposition to the proposed rule change continues to grow.

"It's super important that what has to come with that rule change is the correct coaching and technique," said Farrell. "If you're just saying to a kid, 'you need to tackle lower', then you become even more vulnerable, in my opinion. You can be sitting ducks, waiting for something to happen.