Vunipola's off to tackle school but what is it? ALAIN ROLLAND explains
Billy Vunipola is off to tackle school after his red card… but what is it? World Rugby consultant and former World Cup final referee ALAIN ROLLAND explains
- Billy Vunipola is attending tackle school to reduce his ban for a dangerous tackle
- The No 8 hopes to return in time for England’s World Cup match against Japan
- Former World Cup final referee ALAIN ROLLAND explains what tackle school is
England’s World Cup plans were dealt another major blow last weekend when Steve Borthwick’s only specialist No 8 Billy Vunipola was banned for three matches because of a dangerous tackle.
But the forward has agreed to attend ‘tackle school’ in a bid to reduce his suspension by one week. It means Vunipola will be available to face Japan following England’s World Cup opener against Argentina on September 9.
Below, World Rugby consultant and former Rugby World Cup referee ALAIN ROLLAND tells Mail Sport everything you need to know about tackle school.
What is tackle school?
The programme is part of rugby’s disciplinary process and is only used in the 15-a-side game at the elite level where the head injury assessment is in operation.
Offered to players who have committed a dangerous tackle which has made contact with the head of an opponent, tackle school is designed to help players improve their technique and gain a better understanding of what constitutes foul play.
England No 8 Billy Vunipola is attending tackle school to reduce his ban for a dangerous tackle
World Rugby consultant and former World Cup referee ALAIN ROLLAND (pictured in the 2007 World Cup final) tells Mail Sport everything you need to know about tackle school
Why do players go?
If a player is shown a red card during a game or is cited afterwards, a panel decides if the tackle meets the red-card threshold and whether the player deserves a ban.
Players are sometimes given the option to take part in the tackle programme — this will reduce their ban, along with an admission of guilt — though Owen Farrell was unable to do so as he has already completed the course previously.
A player who commits a very dangerous tackle may not be offered the option of the programme.
How does it work?
A form is filled out detailing the facts, the perceived faults of the tackler and outlining the drills he or she will do to address them.
The player will then have a one-to-one review of the incident with their coach.
Steve Borthwick will now be without Vunipola and captain Owen Farrell against Argentina
So for Billy Vunipola, they will discuss his head contact with Ireland’s Andrew Porter, why it happened, what the technical flaw was, and the decision-making process on the field.
Player and coach then discuss the training drills and techniques to work on to prevent a repeat offence.
The pair then work on those drills and look for the player to show progression in their technique.
Video footage of the player performing the drills is then sent to World Rugby, who will decide if the player has passed. Fail and their ban will not be reduced.
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