The measure was announced Tuesday at the end of the day "
with immediate effect
".
Rugby players, professionals or amateurs, are now allowed to don tights or leggings to play in matches.
The Executive Committee of World Rugby, the International Federation, in fact approved an amendment to rule 4, which allowed this possibility only to women.
The apex body justified this decision for health reasons.
The multiplication of synthetic lawns is indeed accompanied by frequent burns to the legs.
It is not uncommon for players to come out of the field with blood on their knees or with deeply chapped skin on the side of the buttocks.
“
Some players are sensitive to the abrasive effects of friction on artificial surfaces.
"
World Rugby
"
Insofar as some players are sensitive to the abrasive effects of friction on artificial surfaces, this decision gives players the possibility of wearing tights or leggings as a preventive measure, which optimizes access to the game
", justifies the press release .
Synthetic lawns adopted, in Top 14, by Racing 92, Stade Français Paris or LOU.
This possibility is offered to everyone, amateurs or professionals.
The Top 14 players will therefore be able to put on tights or leggings from next weekend.
For a touch of glamor guaranteed for the legs of the pillars and second lines ... A fashion that is already all the rage on the floors, especially those of the NBA.
The press release states that, “At the
same time, World Rugby will also work with federations and approved artificial turf suppliers to ensure that rigorous maintenance programs and best practice are followed to minimize the risk of abrasion, including with regard to sweeping and watering, in particular in high heat
”.
Additional proof that the subject is taken very seriously, synthetic pitches being brought to multiply more and more.
