Ireland to keep tackle height below sternum after data shows fewer injuries
The ruling body joined a World Rugby trial of lowering tackle height below the base of the sternum in the community game in 2023, with the aim of reducing injuries, especially head impact exposure and concussion risk.
The rule was put to trial across Ireland in the 2023-24 and 2024-25 seasons, and analysis of the large volume of data collected is continuing.
"Preliminary findings show decreases in overall injury rates across the domestic game in Ireland. We also see decreases in tackle-related injuries and the rate of head impacts during the trial," the IRFU said in a statement.
The English and Scottish rugby unions have introduced similar rules to lower the tackle height.
"We are one of the only Unions in a position to compare five seasons of injury data before the trial with the two trial seasons," said Caithriona Yeomans, the IRFU's medical manager for the domestic game.
"We are looking at the injury data, alongside video analysis and stakeholder feedback to fully understand the impact of this trial, however preliminary findings are encouraging.'
Over 1,000 former amateur and professional rugby union and rugby league players have joined a long-running concussion lawsuit against the sports' governing bodies for allegedly failing to put in place reasonable measures to protect the players' health and safety.
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Metro
6 minutes ago
- Metro
Michael Owen predicts where Arsenal and Chelsea will finish next season
Michael Owen has revealed his Premier League top-four prediction for the new season and backed Liverpool to retain the title. Liverpool clinched a record-equalling 20th league title last season, finishing 10 points clear of second-placed Arsenal in Arne Slot's first year at Anfield. It was the third season in a row that Mikel Arteta's side finished as runners-up, with the dominant force in English football over the last decade – Manchester City – finishing third. Chelsea beat Nottingham Forest on the final day to finish fourth and secure their return to the Champions League, with Newcastle United also qualifying for Europe's top club competition at the expense of Aston Villa and Forest. Ex-England striker Owen is usually wary of giving title predictions before the summer transfer window shuts but has seen enough from Liverpool over the past 12 months to back his former club to go back-to-back. In The Mixer: Exclusive analysis, FPL tips and transfer talk sent straight to your inbox every week – click here and sign up before Friday to make sure you don't miss the first edition. 'Sometimes at this stage of the year you think you'd like to see the transfer window play out before making a title prediction,' he told Metro via AskGamblers. 'There's still a lot of business to be done but I don't really feel like that at the moment. 'I think Liverpool are far and away the team with the best chance of winning it. I think they've got like a 70% chance of winning it, I really fancy them. 'They were ten points clear last season and they took their foot off the gas. It could've been 20. Even if it ended up being 15, that's a massive gap. 'And they've signed some incredible players over the last month or so. I just think they were the best, and they've strengthened from a position of strength. I think they're going to win it again.' Owen expects 'serious team' Arsenal to finish second for the fourth year in a row and says it would be 'foolish' to think Arteta is under pressure. The Gunners struggled with injuries in the second-half of last season and have spent over £200m so far this summer on the likes of Viktor Gyokeres, Martin Zubimendi and Noni Madueke. Liverpool Arsenal Chelsea Manchester City 'Looking down the pecking order, I like Arsenal,' Owen said. 'I think it's foolish for fans to think the manager is under pressure just because they've come second three years in a row. 'Arsenal have shown consistency. They've consistently been good and had reasons to believe they were unlucky not to get more points. 'I mean, Bukayo Saka was injured for a large part of last season, Kai Havertz was too. They're probably their two main attacking players. Other key players were out as well. 'So, I think they had a lot of injuries to attacking players that you would say were harsh, and now they've gone and bought a proven goalscorer. 'It's not a guarantee he'll succeed, but there are reasons to believe Arsenal can do better than last season. They're already doing well; they got to the semi-finals of the Champions League. They're a serious team. 'People talk about Arteta, if he has a bad start to the season, because they've got a tough start to the season looking at their fixtures, but even if they had a tricky start to the season, you would be absolutely mad to think he's not the right man. 'He's knocking on the door, and the door's going to bang open soon. Whether it's this season or not remains to be seen.' Owen believes Chelsea's victory over Forest on the final day could be a sliding doors moment and tipped the 'improving' Blues to finish third this season, above Man City. There were more encouraging signs at Stamford Bridge over the summer as Maresca led Chelsea to victory in the controversial Club World Cup tournament. While Owen is excited about 'very good' Chelsea, he is less optimistic about Pep Guardiola's Manchester City, having recently downplayed their chances of winning the Premier League. 'Then we go further down and you're looking at Manchester City and Chelsea,' the 45-year-old added. 'Chelsea are getting better. 'The thing I find ironic about Chelsea is if they had lost to Nottingham Forest [on the final day of the season] and missed out on Champions League, everyone would be saying it's the worst season in the world, and the manager would've been under pressure. 'All of a sudden they qualify and they then win the Conference League, which they could have done with their eyes closed, and then win the Club World Cup. More Trending 'Now everyone's falling in love with Chelsea and thinks they're great. They are a very good team, and they are getting better. They're a very young team. 'But it just makes you laugh, doesn't it? One game last season, if he had lost against Nottingham Forest, would Enzo Maresca still be in a job? 'And now all of a sudden, in the blink of an eye, he's qualified for the Champions League, and he's won two trophies and now the whole picture is different. 'But they are good, and they are improving, and they have got a chance. I definitely think they'll get into the top four. My top four would be Liverpool, Arsenal, Chelsea and Man City, in that order.' For more stories like this, check our sport page. Follow Metro Sport for the latest news on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. MORE: Arsenal legend Ian Wright sends message to Viktor Gyokeres doubters MORE: Third Premier League club joins race for Chelsea outcast Raheem Sterling MORE: Manchester United submit first offer to sign Benjamin Sesko ahead of Newcastle
Scottish Sun
6 minutes ago
- Scottish Sun
Rio Ngumoha ready to shine for Liverpool after pre-season wondergoal but which other English teens will light up Prem?
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Metro
an hour ago
- Metro
Tractor Boys can plough through the opposition to win Championship title
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