Blade Boots are now banned at Chingford RFC for the entire Youth Section.

The following is a transcript from Old Colfeians RFC website:

Blade boots have been the subject of debate for some time. We have been become increasingly concerned about the safety of the bladed style of boot with increasing reports of not only terrible lacerations to opponents and our own players but also ligament injuries to ankle, knee and hip joints to the wearers of this style of boot. We feel that the wearing of this style of boot by Youth players poses an unacceptable risk of injury both to team mates in training games and opposition players in matches.

This is entirely consistent with the stance taken by a number of local clubs as well as some top level coaches both in rugby and football, namely Ian McGeechan and Sir Alex Ferguson, who have banned players from wearing them.

Due to the nature of rugby, boot to body contact is not always avoidable and with this in mind players will NOT be allowed to take to the field for training or matches wearing these boots after this time. Furthermore we will be informing all our opponents of our decision and whilst we cannot ban our opponents from wearing them, the referee can on the grounds of safety. This decision has been taken with the safety of our young players in mind and we would ask all parents to support us in this matter .

Therefore Chingford R.F.C Executive and Youth Committees have decided to take the step of introducing a total ban on all bladed style boots, both metal tipped and plastic/nylon soled boots, with immediate effect.

Signed: John Garrett and Aidan Little