Experts Warn Rugby Puts Kids at ‘Catastrophic Risk of Injury’

A group of more than seventy doctors and medical experts have sent an open letter to the Minister for Sport, the Chief Medical Officer, and the Children's Ombudsman calling for a complete ban on tackling in youth rugby games.  The panel warns that the impact from tackling exposes children to 'serious and catastrophic risk of injury' and says the sport, or at least the tackling element, should be removed from school offerings in the interest of safety.

"The majority of all injuries occur during contact or collision, such as the tackle and the scrum." the letter says. "These injuries which include fractures, ligamentous tears, dislocated shoulders, spinal injuries and head injuries can have short-term, life-long, and life-ending consequences for children."

The latest studies show that repeated concussion is also associated with issues such as depression, memory loss and speech problems. However, the Irish Rugby Football Union (IRFU) said it believes that the "lifelong health and personal benefits of rugby, and other contact sports, far outweigh the risks. In a statement, the governing body for the sport said: "There is a risk of injury in all contact sports and while World Rugby and the IRFU, in partnership with Ulster University and other institutions, are undertaking research into this important area, we would welcome the opportunity to partner with government agencies in the development of evidence based research into the risks and rewards associated with all sports." Tell us, does this letter make you think twice about letting your child play rugby? Let us know on Twitter @HerFamilydotie.