For sports mad Kiwis, rugby without tackling is like dancing without music or politics without arguing – they all go hand in hand.
But an argument has now broken out in the UK over whether tackling should be banned for players under 18 years old.
Being tackled by someone weighing 100 kilograms is equivalent in force to being caught in a 45 kilometre per hour car crash.
Human Performance professor Patria Hume has suggested tackling in rugby should be introduced between the ages of 12-15 years old.
Ms Hume believes children’s developing bodies can be increased risk of injury from contact in rugby.
Introducing tackling should be a progression based on skill acquisition, physical development and mental development perspective.
So could this be introduced to rugby fanatics here in New Zealand and what do school boys and their coaches think of this idea?
Story was in Southland to investigate.
Watch the video for the full Story report.
