SCOTTISH Rugby is beginning a period of consultation with players, coaches and referees on lowering the tackle height.

In World Rugby endorsed trials conducted in France and South Africa, lowering the tackle height has been shown to reduce the number of head-on-head contacts and concussions.

Lowering the tackle height has also shown positive outcomes regarding increased ball-in-play time and offloading.

Clubs, schools and societies were notified of the consultation process via Club Communications on Tuesday February 14.

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A series of consultative webinars will be delivered during week commencing Monday February 20 where Scottish Rugby will gather views from a broad spectrum of stakeholders within the community game.

During the webinars, representatives from Rugby Development will share more information on the cited research, discuss possible law changes which may be considered and take views from those in attendance.

Following these initial consultations, the CRB and the Rugby Development department will communicate next steps in March.

Scottish Rugby will remain in consultation with World Rugby throughout the process.

Keith Wallace, Vice President of Scottish Rugby and Chairman of the CRB said: “It is important that as custodians for the community game, we continue to look at ways we can make our game as safe and enjoyable as possible.

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“With new evidence emerging on the positive outcomes of reducing the tackle height to the number of head-on-head contacts and concussions, we must take the time to review the information and possible changes with those at the heart of our game.”

Gavin Scott, Director of Rugby Development added: “This period of consultation will not only be of benefit to those involved in our clubs, schools and societies, it will also help Scottish Rugby better understand what we need to do to help prepare our players, coaches and match officials, should any changes be implemented for next season.

“We look forward to engaging with everyone next week.”

Webinar dates can be found on the Scottish Rugby website.