World Rugby has been asked to amend the substitution laws by five British and Irish Lions legends. They fear that a player might die in an unsafe environment.
Sir Ian McGeechan, the Lions’ four-time head coach, has asked that substitutions be limited to injuries and not tactically.
Willie John McBride and Sir Gareth Edwards signed as well.
The game has “become unnecessarily risky,” they said.
Consultant surgeon John Fairclough also signed the letter sent to World Rugby Chairman Sir Bill Beaumont. He stated that players didn’t want to talk out “fearing losing their livelihood.”
Two-time Lions captain Sam Warburton said in 2019, that someone would “die during a game before TV cameras,” if nothing was done.
The letter stated that it would be negligent for the status quo “to continue”
“Rugby Union was originally conceived to be a game of 15-aside for thirty players. The current 8 substitutes on each side (many of them tactical ‘impact players or finishers) can make this a game that often reaches 46.
Rugby allowed substitutions of injury for the first time in 1968. In 1996 tactical replacements were made, but only three at first.
In the letter, it was stated that players were now prioritizing “power over endurance” as they weren’t expected to stay on the field for 80 minutes.
This shapes the game and leads to many collisions. In the final stages, new “giants” crash into exhausted opponents.
We advocate that you allow 8 subs to the bench, but only four if necessary. Only then will injury be an issue.
The view of leading medical professionals and players is that this will improve the safety of the game.
We know Sir Bill Beaumont, World Rugby Chairman, agrees with our views. He voiced concern about rugby becoming a sport for large people in January 2020 and advocated a new law that allowed players to only be injured replaced.
“Unfortunately, World Rugby did nothing for 18 months – it’s being accused again of making empty promises and not taking any action.
“So, now, not more empty words. We call on Sir Bill to take immediate action in the deep hope that Sam Warburton’s words don’t become prophetic.”
BBC Sport reached out World Rugby to obtain comment.
Together with the Rugby Football Union or Welsh Rugby Union, this body faces a number of challenges. a claim from former playersFor brain injury, you can sue the authorities.
