Tackle

Question
Could you please answer a question about a tackle. During a game a player was tackled from behind by having the neck of the rubgy jersey pulled. The referee gave a penalty but all of the experts claimed it is a legal tackle. What is the correct decision and under what law does it fall.
Many thanks

Answer
Hi Robin,

Technically the law is "not above the collar". I think the ref either jumped the gun or he may have interperated the intent of the tackle was not sporting. The ref has the right to make a judgment call based on what he sees at the time. A tackle can be considered "dangerous" and penalized and that is a fairly vague term.

The made the call - I would say to learn from it. Next time if you can reach the collar then reach the shoulder with both hands and make a solid tackle don't the ref any question about the tackle.