Shoulder charge banned by RLIF

The shoulder charge, already forbidden in the NRL, has been banned for this weekend’s World Club Challenge and the end of season World Cup.

It remains legal in Super League and the Championships, although the RFL have previously stated they will follow guidance from the Rugby League International Federation on the issue.

RLIF chairman Scott Carter said: “As we look forward to an incredibly exciting season for the game, culminating in the 2013 Rugby League World Cup, reviewing rules such as the shoulder charge is an important part of ensuring we have created the right environment for our players.

“Player safety is a fundamental principle and the latest research and current trends show that the shoulder charge has the potential to create an unacceptable risk of injury for players.”

The RFL have been told that they can decide whether to enforce the ban immediately, or wait until the end of the current season.