B&I Lions legends call on World Rugby to scrap tactical substitutions

A host of rugby legends have released an open letter sent to World Rugby demanding that tactical substitutions are scrapped in a bid to improve player safety in the game.

Former British and Irish Lions Sir Ian McGeechan, Willie John McBride, Barry John, and Sir Gareth Edwards are among those to throw their weight behind the cause which is aimed at minimising the risk of injuries.

The aim is to reduce the chances of high impact collisions on the pitch with the argument being that fewer substitutes would increase fatigue, according to the Telegraph.

Former Wales and Lions star Sam Warburton is cited in the letter after revealing his fears that a professional player could die during a match in front of potentially millions on TV if changes are not made soon.

The letter - sent to World Rugby chairman Bill Beaumont - reads: "In our opinion, professional rugby union has become unnecessarily dangerous.

"For fear of losing their livelihood, current players dare not speak out, but those liberated by recent retirement clearly agree. Dylan Hartley, the former England captain, described his generation as 'crash dummies'. His Wales and Lions counterpart Sam Warburton, fears that 'if something is not done soon, a professional player will die during a game in front of TV cameras'.

"It would be grossly negligent to allow the status quo to continue.

“Rugby union was conceived as a 15-a-side game for 30 players. With the current eight substitutes per side, many of whom are tactical ‘impact players’ or ‘finishers’, this can and often does stretch to 46.

“More than half a team can be changed and some players are not expected to last 80 minutes so train accordingly, prioritising power over aerobic capacity. This shapes the entire game leading to more collisions and in the latter stages numerous fresh ‘giants’ crashing into tiring opponents.

“The simple change we advocate is to allow eight subs on the bench if you must but limit the number that can be used to four and then only in the case of injury. This will make the game safer, a view supported by leading players and eminent members of the medical profession.

“Sadly, more than 18 months later World Rugby has done nothing – yet again it stands accused of all words and no action.

“So, no more empty words, we call upon Sir Bill to act now in the profound hope that Sam Warburton’s words do not become prophetic.”