In the ever-evolving game of rugby, World Rugby's decision to ban the escort tactic in 2024—once used defensively during high-ball catches—has stirred a pot of mixed reactions. While some coaches from England and Ireland have expressed frustration, South Africa's coaching staff, led by Rassie Erasmus, applauds the move, seeing it as a step forward for the sport.
The controversy centers around the removal of what was known as 'escorts' or 'gloves,' which previously shielded players receiving kicks. Critics like England's Steve Borthwick have lamented, "I don’t think any of us want rugby union to turn into Aussie rules," fearing an increase in kicking and scrums. Similarly, Ireland’s Tadhg Beirne and Munster's Mike Prendergast have voiced concerns about the change slowing down the game's pace and increasing stoppages.
However, Springboks coach Erasmus views the adjustment positively, asserting in a recent episode of Rassie+ that it has reintroduced a fair contest for the ball. Mzwandile Stick, a specialist in aerial skills, agreed, highlighting that "the people around the contest area where the ball was landing, that’s where it was dangerous."
"With all the law changes around the high balls, I haven’t seen any dangerous contests in the past two years. I have to compliment World Rugby because the law change has cleaned up everything around there,"
Stick noted.
Erasmus further emphasized the spirit of the game, as outlined in the World Rugby charter, which champions a fair contest for possession. He explained, "The first thing is when that ball is kicked, it’s nobody’s ball. He’s got a fair chance, I’ve got a fair chance. That’s the contest, and no one can interfere anymore."
Felix Jones, another assistant coach, pointed out that the banning of escorts has not only reduced dangerous play but also enhanced the tactical aspects of kicking, turning it into more of an attacking move rather than a defensive setup.
Despite the increase in kicks, the tweaks have led to more contestable plays, according to former referee and law advisor Jaco Peyper. This aligns with World Rugby's aim to keep the game inclusive and safe, promoting a level playing field regardless of a player's size or role.
As the debate continues, the Springbok coaching staff remains firm in their belief that the changes have been beneficial, advocating for a contest that is true to the essence of rugby. Erasmus concluded, "If they did go back on it, you could just pick smaller wingers and full-backs because you would have the glove to protect them," highlighting the importance of maintaining these adjustments for the integrity and inclusivity of the game.
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In the ever-evolving game of rugby, World Rugby's decision to ban the escort tactic in 2024—once used defensively during high-ball catches—has stirred a pot of mixed reactions. While some coaches from England and Ireland have expressed frustration, South Africa's coaching staff, led by Rassie Erasmus, applauds the move, seeing it as a step forward for the sport.
The controversy centers around the removal of what was known as 'escorts' or 'gloves,' which previously shielded players receiving kicks. Critics like England's Steve Borthwick have lamented, "I don’t think any of us want rugby union to turn into Aussie rules," fearing an increase in kicking and scrums. Similarly, Ireland’s Tadhg Beirne and Munster's Mike Prendergast have voiced concerns about the change slowing down the game's pace and increasing stoppages.
However, Springboks coach Erasmus views the adjustment positively, asserting in a recent episode of Rassie+ that it has reintroduced a fair contest for the ball. Mzwandile Stick, a specialist in aerial skills, agreed, highlighting that "the people around the contest area where the ball was landing, that’s where it was dangerous."
"With all the law changes around the high balls, I haven’t seen any dangerous contests in the past two years. I have to compliment World Rugby because the law change has cleaned up everything around there,"
Stick noted.Erasmus further emphasized the spirit of the game, as outlined in the World Rugby charter, which champions a fair contest for possession. He explained, "The first thing is when that ball is kicked, it’s nobody’s ball. He’s got a fair chance, I’ve got a fair chance. That’s the contest, and no one can interfere anymore."
Felix Jones, another assistant coach, pointed out that the banning of escorts has not only reduced dangerous play but also enhanced the tactical aspects of kicking, turning it into more of an attacking move rather than a defensive setup.
Despite the increase in kicks, the tweaks have led to more contestable plays, according to former referee and law advisor Jaco Peyper. This aligns with World Rugby's aim to keep the game inclusive and safe, promoting a level playing field regardless of a player's size or role.
As the debate continues, the Springbok coaching staff remains firm in their belief that the changes have been beneficial, advocating for a contest that is true to the essence of rugby. Erasmus concluded, "If they did go back on it, you could just pick smaller wingers and full-backs because you would have the glove to protect them," highlighting the importance of maintaining these adjustments for the integrity and inclusivity of the game.