Spear Tackle Memo

You will all have remembered the now infamous Sam Warburton (Wales) "spear tackle" which Allain Roland red-carded at the 2011 Rugby World Cup (unless you were sleeping under a rock!) . Every rugby fan had an opinion on that red card but few really knew the laws, and even those of us that referee may have been at odds with Allain's decision. Did you think he was right? What would have you done? What sanction are you supposed to apply when a spear tackle occurs in your game? Have you read the 2009 iRB memo on spear tackles? Before the 2012 season starts make sure you have brushed up on this. Read it here.