Australia to ban shoulder charge

Australian rugby league authorities are to outlaw the shoulder charge because of the “unacceptable risk of injury”, with work under way to extend the move internationally.

The decision, due to take effect from next year, came after the Australian Rugby League Commission (ALRC) assessed a report by Sydney Roosters chief executive Brian Canavan following a spate of incidents.

The ALRC accepted that the increased size of players was creating a situation where the shoulder charge could lead to an unacceptable risk of injury.

The review found that shoulder charges made up just 0.05 percent of the 142,355 tackles made in 2012.

Less than four percent of these resulted in injury to the attacking player and less than one percent to the defensive player but 17 percent involved contact with the head of the attacking player.

“This is about reducing a potential risk of serious injury to our players,” said National Rugby League interim chief executive Shane Mattiske.

“The commission has gone through a thorough review process and been public in warning players about the risks of illegal play.

“The report shows that the shoulder charge is not a significant part of the game and its removal is not likely to impact on the way the game is played.

“With the increase in size and strength of the players, we believe this is the time to eliminate a potential risk.”

Work has started with authorities in England and other members of the Rugby League International Federation to extend the move to all levels of the game on a global basis, the commission added on its website.

New Zealand already has a domestic ban in place.

The move divided opinion in the sport, with New South Wales skipper Paul Gallen saying he was “shocked” at the decision.

“We don't want players getting hurt but it's taking some of the toughness out of the game,” he said.

However, St George Illawarra coach Steve Price backed the move.

“I'm actually a fan of the shoulder charge, but I'm also a believer in player safety and welfare -- we want to see young kids playing the game,” he said.

AFP