For those that don't have access to it, here's yesterdays article from the Telegraph.
RFU to consult community clubs over tackle height law after ferocious backlash
The plan had been to change the legal tackle-height to the waist down for all rugby union below elite level from July 1
By Charlie Morgan, Senior Rugby Writer 24 January 2023 • 7:28pm
The ferocious backlash from community clubs around the country could yet force changes to the Rugby Football Union’s plan to adopt a waist-level tackle height from next season.
According to correspondence sent by a senior member of the RFU council, which has been seen by Telegraph Sport, the law changes will not be finalised before clubs have been formally consulted.
Although there had been a desire for the RFU’s governance committee to devise the exact wording of the new laws as soon as possible, this process will not happen before a further meeting of the council in order for clubs to air their concerns to their representatives.
“Whilst many will appreciate the principle to protect head injuries by reducing head impacts, we have to find a workable law,” read an email to clubs.
Also cited in the email was a need to hold “a full and frank debate” this week to review both “how the decision would impact on the community game, volunteers and participants” as well as “the communications strategy that supported the decision and the reaction of… the wider public to that decision”.
Staffordshire clubs have led the backlash against the law change and, following a committee meeting on Monday evening, the county became the first board to mandate that their councillor, Michael Proctor, rescind his vote to push through the trial.
It has also emerged that only 14 of 62 RFU council members voted for an amendment to delay last Monday’s vote until the next council meeting on February 13 in order to share the rationale more widely and consult with clubs. This led to the announcement that has sparked outrage and seen the online petition to rescind the decision on Change.org, initiated by Ed Bartlett, surpass 70,000 votes.
On Monday, the Community Clubs Union (CCU), a newly formed independent voice for rugby clubs in the community game, accrued 165 letters of support. The group intends to force a special general meeting and deliver a vote of no confidence in Bill Sweeney, the RFU chief executive, and the governing body’s ability to run the sport.
CCU is not attempting to contest medical evidence for the law change, but has been disgusted by “a lack of transparency and communication” over its implementation, which is currently due to be rolled out on July 1 of this year. “This is the straw that has broken the camel’s back,” said a source.