There has been a lot written recently about the recent bans for gouging handed out to Julien Dupuy and David Attoub of Stade Francais. Only six months earlier, Schalk Burger permanently ruined his reputation in the 2nd Lions Test by attacking the eyes of Luke FitzGerald in the first minute of the match.
The view of this column on the matter are absolute. Not less than a 2 year ban for anybody gouging on the pitch.
To those who never played adult rugby in the forwards, this can be a confusing issue. What level of violence is acceptable (albeit illegal) and what is beyond the pale?
I would helpfully volunteer that pretty much anything goes, with the notable exception of deliberate boots to the head; attacking the groin; and eye gouging. All of which are totally unacceptable to all right minded rugby players and should carry lengthy (2 years minimum) if not lifetime bans.
However I would also remind anyone so minded to dish it, that you must expect the same coming back at you and be able to take it without complaint. Also, the rugby pitch does not operate outside of the law, and if you deliver a forearm smash to an opponent as his head sticks out of the ruck, and you break his jaw, don't be surprised if he presses a charge of Grevious Bodily Harm against you. And quite right too.
Rugby has always been a cheats' charter, with the skill of "playing to the referee" or "seeing how much cheating you can get away with" being an important part of the game at ALL levels - from Test rugby down to the Extra B XV. The fact that the poor old ref cannot see everything, means that often, players will feel the need to right the wrongs of the opposition, and this is usually where the violence comes in. By and large, players have nothing against this sort of retaliation, they all recognise the need to be able to self-police the game, its just a question of appropriate levels of violence.
However, and I think this is really the key point, all players recognise that rugby is a high speed contact game, that's why we love it after all, and as such, you are only one misplaced tackle away from a nasty concussion. This is a risk we accept when we play. But no-one can accept a risk of permanent damage to Brain or Sight or Wedding Tackle through foul play when they pull on their jersey. Or should they? It would be interesting to hear what David Attoub or Schalk Burger have to add to this subject.
