As National Technical Director (DTN) Didier Retière is responsible for supervising the experience carried out since the start of the season in amateur rugby clubs from Federal level 2 (4th division). The tackle line is lowered and two tackles simultaneously are prohibited. The study is considered positive by the Federation but players and clubs have protested against a study that is fragmented and a little early.
What interpretation do you make of the study?
Didier Retière. We are rather satisfied for a start. This is a big change in the habits of our players, our coaches, our referees. We suspected that the new rules would have a big impact on the game and that it would move the lines. But we were not sure how it would be received and how long it would take.
Players claim they are struggling and are still lost?
We change habits and they come back when the players are less attentive or a little tired. We understand that this is a real change for all the players. The way to defend, to play, the tactics are impacted. Everyone cogitates. When we change habits, some are less comfortable, others find it better.
From one arbitrator to another, aren't the rules subject to interpretation?
Yes obviously but the gestures on the neck have disappeared, which was the most important. Previously, we had the same discussions on whether or not to punish, but they then concerned contact with the head. We can clearly see in Top 14 matches that we arrive very quickly from the sternum to the head. In preventive actions, everyone agrees on the general principle but it is difficult to change habits.
Has the number of penalties not increased?
At the start of the season yes, but then in the January games we returned to the same number of penalties as last year. It is an interesting sign. And on the game, there are no more passes or rucks in general but on the other hand there are more crossings and passes on contact, less play on the foot and touches. We feel the effects on the game.
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Should we put the first lessons from your study into perspective?
We put things into perspective, of course, because our first evaluation took place between October and December and the second on 10 games in January with grounds in poor condition. We have to redo 25 games between March and April and things will have changed a lot.
Are these rules transferable to pros?
In any case people are interested. As much as it seemed ridiculous to many a few years ago, today the ear is more attentive. This very afternoon I was on the phone with very interested English people. We owe World Rugby an objective return next week and we will give a full return at the end of the season. The more the days go by, the more difficult it seems to me to go back. We have already had messages from clubs that tell us: Above all, don't change .
