They had been introduced at the start of the season to respond to the dramas and concussions in series in French rugby. The new tackling and playing rules tested since in amateur rugby in France (from Federal 2, 4 th division) give satisfaction to the practitioners according to a study launched by the French Rugby Federation (FFR). However, from the first games, players and coaches had criticized them, accusing them of chopping the game and seeing the referee intervene too often. A petition had even circulated in the fall. Apparently, the habits were hard to take but they now seem to be adopting.
What were these rules?
The French Federation had volunteered with the international federation (World Rugby) to test two new practices with a view to "building safer rugby". The first concerned the lowering of the plating line to the waist. The second concerned the prohibition of tackles for two. It was this last practice that was behind the death of Nicolas Chauvin, young hope for the Stade Français in a match in December 2018 against the Union Bordeaux-Bègles.
What are the results ?
1,315 amateur clubs were surveyed by the federation to find out their feelings after the start of the test. 604 responded and more than 60% among them believe that "the experiment brings more security to the players". In terms of play, the results also appear positive since 86% of players and coaches consider that the game is more fluid and allows the development of new skills.
Fewer injuries
Thirty-two Federal 2 games from the 2018-2019 and 2019-2020 seasons were compared based on video analysis by the FFR. These studies have established that injuries are clearly on the decline, even if it is only a trend at the moment. Instances have recorded one injury per game this season against 3 per game in 2018. Head impacts have decreased by 60%, note the rapporteurs, going from 9.5 per game to 4.
The return game
It was one of the concerns relayed by the players. Changing the rules made it difficult for them. Admittedly, the interventions of referees for high tackles were multiplied by three between September and October before falling by 18% over the period December-January. But the game on the ground seems to have been deeply affected since the passes (+ 16%) and the crossings (+ 31%) increase. Movement rugby is back. This is confirmed by the referent of the investigation also responsible for training in arbitration at the French Federation. "We are returning to the philosophy of our movement game, based on contact but also on avoidance and crossing," enthuses Philippe Marguin, interviewed by Radio France.
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And now ?
These first results will be presented between March 3 and 5 at the International World Rugby Symposium in Paris. A final assessment of the French experience will be established in April, knowing that the Georgian and Fijian federations are also in the middle of a test phase. Can we now envisage a definitive application among professionals? To do this, these new rules should then be tested throughout an entire season in a major championship such as the Top 14.
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