The rugby world has rallied around itself in the past 24 hours. 70 doctors and other health professionals sent a letter to officials and politicians in an effort to stem the tide of worrying injuries resulting from the physicality on display in rugby. Central to the letter was the call for children to be banned from tackling until they reach the age of 18.
As stated, the ban is really just a watered down version of calling for a ban on rugby entirely and fans and players were simply having none of it.
Take for example, David Ross from Co. Down. At the age of 18, Ross broke his neck and was confined to a wheelchair after an accident in a ruck. Now 21, Ross plays wheelchair rugby for Ireland and speaking to the Belfast Telegraph, he has shared the sentiments of much of the rugby community that, although changes need to be made, banning children from tackling is certainly not the way to go about it.
Alongside quite a few fellow players, Cian Healy was one of the most vocal Irish internationals in relation to the much publicised letter. The Leinster prop took to twitter on Tuesday and he made it fairly clear where he stood on the issue.
It's terribly dangerous for young children to get a bus to school alone. a heavy schoolbag could do far more damage than let's say, a tackle
— Cian Healy (@ProperChurch) March 2, 2016
He may not have explained it perfectly but Healy is correct. As any number of people have stated in the past 24 hours, to suggest that prospective professionals should only start learning how to tackle at the age of 18 is ludicrous. The thought of fully grown, 15+ stone rugby players hitting each other for the first time at that age is as worrying as anything troubling the game at the moment. Quite simply, it would be carnage.
But that's not to say that everything contained in the letter was incorrect. Rugby faces a challenge and the issue of children facing concussions is not one which should be taken lightly. Hence, a fairly understandable response from one concerned individual.
@ProperChurch My 12yr old nephew suffered a concussion playing rugby lately. Not funny. I find your comment stupid and offensive
— Blacksod63.Jackie O’Toole McLoughlin. (@blacksod63) March 2, 2016
'Stupid and offensive' may be taking things a bit far but, speaking of taking things a bit far, there's Healy's response.
@blacksod63 you may FRO so.. offensive enough?
— Cian Healy (@ProperChurch) March 2, 2016
In case that wasn't clear enough, here's the Urban Dictionary entry for FRO.
So there you have it. Come at Cian Healy on twitter, expect a rather blunt reply.
