The head of sport at a Jesmond school says she would be open to rule changes that would make rugby safer for under-18s.

Concern about concussions and head injuries in rugby has led in recent weeks to calls for governing bodies to do more to protect children and young people playing the sport.

Tackling is not allowed in schools or club rugby for players under the age of nine, with “touch rugby” taking its place. However, Graham Kirkwood of the Institute of Health at Newcastle University says not enough preventative action is being taken to protect children. He has urged the Rugby Football Union (RFU) to ban tackles, rucks and mauls from the game when played by under-18s.

At the Royal Grammar School (RGS) in Jesmond, rugby is introduced to children at Year 3 and director of sport Angela Ponton told JesmondLocal that schools receive clear guidance from the RFU. “Rugby is one of those sports where it’s really important that everyone is on the same page and following the same guidance, so the RFU is really specific about what you can do and when and how you can start to introduce tackling,” she said.

“A ban would have an effect, but that’s not to say it would make the game worse to play. Anything that’s going to make it safer, or perceived to make it safer, would be welcome. If introduced, players would need to adapt and it would take time for them to get used to doing something different.

“We’re very lucky that we have good first aid provision here at the school, but we also have a specific concussion policy in place. Those kinds of policies ensure that our students get the best care if they do suffer a contact injury or head injury. Unfortunately, these do happen in contact and non-contact sports.”

Former professionals Jamie Cudmore and James Haskell have joined professors John Fairclough and Bill Ribbans to create the Progressive Rugby Group and in February sent an open letter to governing body World Rugby calling for reforms to reduce head injuries from collisions.

In a statement responding to the open letter, the RFU pointed out the element of risk attached to playing any sport and argued that its rules ensure maximum possible safety for children, allowing players the time to learn rugby basics before contact is gradually introduced. It also highlighted the physical and mental health benefits from playing rugby.