Old Stop Alastair Lydon (OS 2000), Director of Rugby at Grasshoppers RFC, was interviewed by Sky Sport's James Cole at the club this week about the Rugby Football Union's tackle height change across community rugby from next season.

During the interview Alastair demonstrates the change in rules, which currently permit tackles with shoulder height being the legal limit, this limit is set to be reduced to below the naval area.

Alastair points out some key questions and concerns about the changes, including;

• At what point above the limit will a penalty, yellow card or even red card be given?
• The heightened risk of head injuries during two player tackles. Alastair questions if this will still be allowed?
• The increased risk of knee contact.
• Further risk of head impact during chop tackles.

Alastair highlights these changes could also pose a threat to uptake in the game for those who just want to enjoy the game for fun.

When asked if he is for or against the game, Alastair shared the following thoughts:

"Against currently. However, if they provided clarity on some of the rulings that we've discussed I am much more open to discussion and I'd love to see the game being more evasive and being more free flowing because everyone wants to see trys. It's an entertaining brand of rugby."

You can watch Alastair's interview on Sky here.

About Alastair Lydon (OS 2000):

Alastair works at Harrodian School, Grasshoppers RFC and as a private executive coach.

His responsibilities are ICT systems in the PE department, A level PE, 1XV Head Rugby Coach, Director of Rugby at Grasshoppers RFC.