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Rugby World Cup: England Coach Steve Borthwick Questions World Rugby's Approach to High Hits

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Rugby World Cup: England Coach Steve Borthwick Questions World Rugby's Approach to High Hits


England coach Steve Borthwick has raised questions about World Rugby's consistency in dealing with high tackles following several contentious incidents at the Rugby World Cup. Borthwick has implied that the sport's global governing body has been less outspoken on the topic of high tackles during the tournament compared to their response to the incident that resulted in England captain Owen Farrell receiving a four-match suspension.

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Borthwick's comments come in the wake of a series of high-tackle incidents during the Rugby World Cup. Raising concerns about the consistency of officiating and disciplinary actions. While Farrell's ban received significant attention and scrutiny. Borthwick has pointed out that similar high-tackle incidents during the tournament have not received the same level of public discussion or disciplinary action by World Rugby.

Romain Taofifenua of France, Ethan de Groot of New Zealand, Martin Sigren of Chile, and Jesse Kriel of South Africa have all been involved in incidents at the Rugby World Cup 2023 that have ignited discussions about high tackles and player safety. It's worth noting that Owen Farrell, England's captain, has not yet played in the tournament.

This is due to World Rugby's intervention and successful appeal against a disciplinary panel's decision to overturn his red card. Which he received in a warm-up match against Wales on August 12. This incident has added to the ongoing debate surrounding high tackles in rugby. England's coach, Steve Borthwick, has raised concerns about the consistency of World Rugby's approach to high tackles during the RWC.

Addressing High Tackles During The Rugby World Cup

He has pointed out that the governing body of rugby union has been less publicly vocal about high tackles during the tournament compared to the incident involving England captain Owen Farrell, who received a four-match ban. This inconsistency in addressing high tackles has drawn attention to player safety in rugby and has sparked debates among fans, players, and officials. While high tackles are a part of the game's physical nature.

There is a growing emphasis on reducing the risk of head injuries and ensuring player welfare. Borthwick's comments reflect the ongoing challenge of maintaining a balance between the physicality of rugby and the safety of its participants. High-profile incidents at the RWC have only amplified these concerns. Leading to calls for more clarity and consistency in the application of rugby's rules regarding dangerous tackles.

"I have said a large number of observations from different sources about what occurs to be a lack of reliability and a lack of clarity around the decision-making process. It is not my role to comment on that - that is World Rugby. “said Borthwick.

Steve Borthwick, the England coach, has raised concerns about World Rugby's inconsistency in addressing high tackles during the Rugby World Cup. He pointed out that during England's preparations for the tournament. There was a significant amount of attention and comments from World Rugby regarding Owen Farrell's suspension. Which generated extensive discussions.


However, Borthwick noted that there has been a noticeable lack of commentary from World Rugby on the issue of high tackles in the past week. This observation highlights the differing levels of scrutiny and response from World Rugby, depending on specific incidents and situations.  For more about

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Controversy Surrounding High-Tackle Incidents

The case of Owen Farrell's red card against Wales. Which was later overturned and drew substantial attention and debate. While other high-tackle incidents may not have received the same level of public discourse. Borthwick's remarks emphasize the need for consistency and clarity in addressing high tackles to ensure player safety and maintain the integrity of the game.

The varying responses to incidents like this underscore the ongoing challenges rugby faces in promoting safety and fair play while preserving the sport's physical nature. The controversy surrounding high-tackle incidents at the Rugby World Cup escalated. When World Rugby appealed against the decision to clear England's Owen Farrell of a red card for a shoulder-to-head hit on flanker Taine Basham during a warm-up match against Wales on August 12.

Initially, a disciplinary panel rescinded the red card, citing a late change in the dynamic of the tackle. However, World Rugby challenged this decision, and a second independent panel upheld their appeal, resulting in a four-match suspension for Farrell. Including crucial World Cup fixtures against Argentina and Japan. To read more about Wallabies Captain Will Skelton's Availability in Doubt for Fiji’s RWC Clash Due to Calf Issue.

In the wake of this situation, there has been growing scrutiny of World Rugby's handling of high-tackle incidents during the tournament. England's coach, Steve Borthwick, questioned the inconsistency in World Rugby's approach. Highlighting that while Farrell's case received significant attention and scrutiny. Other high-tackle incidents have seemingly faced lighter consequences.

One such incident involved France's Romain Taofifenua. A second-row player, who received a yellow card for a high tackle against Uruguay. This decision raised questions about whether there were sufficient mitigating factors to avoid a red card and whether mitigation should have been applicable at all.

15th Player

The debate surrounding these high-tackle incidents underscores the challenges faced by rugby authorities in maintaining player safety and ensuring consistent application of the rules. Particularly in a sport known for its physicality. The Rugby World Cup has seen increased scrutiny of high-tackle incidents and the consistency in enforcing the rules regarding such tackles.

World Rugby's guidelines mandate that players who make high tackles without a legitimate attempt at a tackle should be sent off. England's Owen Farrell received a four-match suspension for leading with his shoulder and not attempting to wrap his arms around the opposing player during a tackle, with no mitigation considered.

Similar incidents involving New Zealand's Ethan de Groot (red card against Namibia). Chile's Martin Sigren (yellow card against Japan). South Africa's Jesse Kriel (unpunished tackle on Scotland's Jack Dempsey) has also raised questions about the enforcement of high-tackle rules. England has faced criticism for receiving four red cards in their last six games.

Although one of those, Freddie Steward's dismissal against Ireland, was later rescinded. Coach Steve Borthwick emphasizes that these incidents are isolated and not indicative of a lack of discipline within the team. Borthwick praised England's fans for their support during the team's matches. For more about Rugby World Cup 3rd Quarter Final tickets.

Particularly in Marseille when Tom Curry received a red card just three minutes into the game against Argentina.  He referred to the fans as the "15th player" on the field and expressed gratitude for their incredible support. Borthwick also highlighted his strong connection with Japan. Having served as Japan's forward coach between 2012 and 2015.


Sparked Debates About The Consistency

He acknowledged the unique challenges posed by the Japanese team. Particularly their exceptional ball movement and stressed the importance of defending well against them. England coach Steve Borthwick has questioned the consistency in World Rugby's approach to high tackles during the Rugby World Cup.

Borthwick pointed out that World Rugby was very vocal about high tackles in the lead-up to the tournament, particularly in the case of England captain Owen Farrell, who received a four-match ban. However, he noted that World Rugby's comments on high tackles have been less frequent during the tournament.

Borthwick's comments come in the wake of several controversial high-tackle incidents at the Rugby World Cup, including France's Romain Taofifenua, New Zealand's Ethan de Groot, Chile's Martin Sigren, and South Africa's Jesse Kriel. While Farrell himself has yet to feature in the tournament due to suspension.

These incidents have sparked debates about the consistency in enforcing high-tackle rules. Farrell was sent off during a warm-up match against Wales for a shoulder-to-head tackle on flanker Taine Basham. However, a disciplinary panel initially overturned the decision, citing a late change in the tackle's dynamics. World Rugby then appealed against that decision.

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