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Leagues and Governing Bodies

Rugby Football Union CEO Stephen Brown Defends Sport's Safety

The Rugby Football Union has "mounted a vigorous defence regarding the safety of its sport" following a study calling for the banning of tackling and scrums in youth rugby, a report that World Rugby termed "extreme and alarmist," according to Mick Cleary of the London TELEGRAPH. RFU CEO Stephen Brown "fully endorsed the view of the game's global governing body," stressing that adequate safety measures were in place and that "any risks were far outweighed by the benefits." Brown said, "I don't think there was anything new in the report. It was stuff that had been out there previously. What we are constantly doing is developing how the game is played for young people and making sure that it is safe, that there is appropriate coaching and that people are aware of what they should be doing and what they shouldn't be doing at this important development stage." RFU Chair Andy Cosslett reported that 600 schools have taken up rugby in the last four years "and they didn't just do that blindly, they did it after a lot of research." Cosslett added, "Our junior sections are bursting at the seams. We have got record numbers because parents want to buy into what rugby brings" (TELEGRAPH, 9/26). In London, Gavin Mears reported the RFU claimed a new exercise program that has been introduced to youth rugby this season has had a "phenomenal impact" in reducing injuries and concussions. The injury-prevention program, which has been developed in conjunction with the University of Bath, has led to a reduction of overall injuries by 72% and the number of concussions by 59% for players who completed the exercises at least three times a week. It is understood that "a total of almost 1,000 clubs and coaches" signed up to the program in the first two weeks of this season. The program, called Activate, "includes exercises to improve running techniques and changing direction, lower-body balance and targeted resistance training" (TELEGRAPH, 9/27).

PRESSING PRIORITY: In London, Robert Kitson reported Brown admitted "averting a possible player strike is among his most pressing priorities." He said that "player welfare is at the top of his bulging in-tray" and he wants to "see a swift resolution to the dispute over the future length of the domestic season." Brown knows "precisely how costly it would be if leading players took industrial action in protest" against plans to extend the Premiership Rugby season to the end of June from '20. Brown: "If we have no players we have no England team. Our core business is seven big games a year ... that would be a very challenging time for us. It is a concern and we can't ignore it" (GUARDIAN, 9/26).

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