ELVs make RFU careful

England’s Management Board is acting cautiously in the introduction of experimental law variations (ELVs) into your rugby in England.

The Management Board has approved the recommendation of the ELV Task Group that ELV 2 (shoulders must not be lower than the hips at the maul) and ELV 3 (pulling down the maul) should not be trialled in England at Under 19 level and below until: 

* it has been demonstrated to be safe in the adult game; 

* the results of trials currently taking place in South Africa have been properly analysed by the IRB with specific reference to the safety of pulling down the maul at all rugby played at Under-19 and below;
 
* agreement has been reached on the safest method to pull down the maul and appropriate coaching techniques have been developed;

* sufficient time is allowed for the safest method and the appropriate coaching techniques to be communicated to all those involved in rugby at Under-19 level and below.
 
The RFU will now discuss the issues that may arise with age grade cross-border competitions where other Unions are testing ELV 2 & 3 with the IRB and affected Unions. However, the interests of young players and the safety concerns expressed by the game will take precedence.

RFU Chief Executive Francis Baron OBE said: “We have received a large number of letters from the youth game expressing serious concerns over the introduction of some of the ELVs in the youth game.

“It is established practice that Unions can apply variations to the Laws at youth level and many Unions exercise their rights in this respect. The RFU intends to exercise its rights in respect of the ELVs of concern to us and the game in England following discussion with the IRB and other affected Unions.”