WATCH: Did Souths get away with dubious try in another controversial grounding decision?
Fans were sceptical that Izaac Tu'itupou Thompson grounded this properly. How did you see it?
Tackling above the armpit will be banned in rugby league matches in Britain to “make the sport safer and more accessible at all levels”, governing body Rugby Football League (RFL) has said.
The RFL announced on Friday that the permissible tackle height will be lowered from the shoulder to the armpit for all levels of the community game in 2024, as well as at age grade at professional clubs.
The change in tackle height will come into effect at the senior professional level in 2025.
Rugby Australia said earlier this month that it will introduce a two-year trial to lower the legal tackle height from below the shoulders to below the sternum across the community game, starting in February next year.
The change will apply to all competitions below Super Rugby level from February 10 until the end of 2025. It cover all premier grades, school competitions and pathway competitions.
The RFL in Britain also signed off on 44 rule changes suggested by the sport’s Brain Health and Clinical Advisory Group, including a trial of ‘Concussion Spotters’, match limits for professional players and a mandatory four-week off-season followed by two weeks of non-contact training.
“We believe (the changes) are essential, as Rugby League must respond to developments in medical and scientific knowledge to prioritise the safety of those that play,” said RFL chief executive Tony Sutton.
“… They offer exciting opportunities to increase the appeal and accessibility of Rugby League, especially at junior and community levels.”
Rugby Union has also taken steps in recent months to lower tackle height.
Leading UK sports law firm Rylands Garth said last month that 475 sportsmen and women – 450 rugby union and league players and 25 footballers – are now part of several lawsuits related to concussion.
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Fans were sceptical that Izaac Tu'itupou Thompson grounded this properly. How did you see it?
Channel Nine's Allana Ferguson and Billy Slater put Souths under the microscope after this lacklustre defensive effort. Penrith beat South Sydney 42-12.
If South Sydney had put up this much fight earlier in the season, Jason Demetriou might still be their coach. The Rabbitohs responded strongly…
Sunia Turuva scored the first try of the game for Penrith, and by the end of it he was setting them up with ease.
South Sydney copped their second binning of the game, with Jacob Host marched for this kicker contact.
Two horror moments were scrutinised by the Nine commentator with the Bunnies defending Dylan Edwards. The second one resulted in a Taylan May try.