Responding to the RFU announcement on lowering the tackle height across the community game, World Rugby Chief Executive Alan Gilpin said:

“In line with our six-point plan to make rugby the most progressive sport on player welfare, last year World Rugby opened discussions with unions about lowering the tackle height in the community game around the globe. At those meetings unions were presented with findings from trials that have taken place in France and South Africa as well as initial data from rugby specific studies using smart mouthguards.

"Discussions with unions have progressed well and formal proposals to be applied around the world are expected to be presented to our Executive Board in March. We welcome the RFU taking these proactive steps, rugby will never stand still when it comes to player welfare and this is a prime example of the sport, once again, putting our words into action.”