Drew Mitchell believes plans by the RFU to enforce tackling restrictions in amateur rugby across England is over the top as Rugby Australia insisted it won’t adopt a similar move.

Effective from 1 July 2023, all players at age grade and senior amateur level in England will be required to make waistline or lower tackles.

The decision was widely criticised by several clubs, players, coaches and officials in the country while a petition calling for the RFU to reverse its decision amassed thousands of signatures.

In a report by Australia’s Sydney Morning Herald, former Australia utility back Mitchell said the RFU’s strategy was an over-reaction and did not rule out the risk of injury.

“I think it’s a little bit dramatic,” he said. “A few years ago the nipple height was introduced and quickly thrown out. I get what they’re trying to do … but I think this one is wide of the mark and going too far.

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“I’m not going to sit there and say you’re at more risk or the same but there’s definitely an element of risk there. From my experience, I know going low [in a tackle] there is always the risk of getting a knee or shin to the head. I don’t think it’s going to be the silver bullet they’re looking for.

“I would implore Rugby Australia to sit and watch from afar. I’m pretty sure it’ll get to a point where we won’t have to make a decision because it would get thrown out pretty quickly.

“There’s got to be flow-on effects, too. If you can’t tackle anyone above the waist and every single attacking player has hands free during every single run [that changes the game]. Whilst trying to eliminate one thing, we open up something else.”

Meanwhile, an RA spokesperson said the sport’s ruling body Down Under was “monitoring” the situation but confirmed “specific discussions about implementing this measure” had not taken place in Australia.

“We are naturally the beneficiary of a huge amount of research undertaken by World Rugby and we work with them and other national unions on maximising player welfare at all levels,” teh representative told the Sydney Morning Herald. “Our key focus for 2023 remains on correct tackle technique – which is critical to player safety – and we will continue to drive this priority with all coaches in 2023.”

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