Nebraska decides to punt on rugby-style tackling

Posted August 23, 2017 7:00 am

The Associated Press

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) - Nebraska football coaches no longer are putting players through rugby-style tackling drills, and the athletic department has ended its contract with the Seattle company that was helping the Cornhuskers transition to the technique.

Nebraska paid Atavus $100,00 last year to provide training to coaches and design drills for players. The school was to pay $80,000 this year but exercised a clause allowing it to terminate the contract for any reason before Jan. 15.

New defensive coordinator Bob Diaco, when asked about rugby tackling last spring, said "there are a lot of style of tackles that have to be conducted."

A rugby tackle is made by driving a shoulder into or near the ball-carrier's hip, wrapping him up and taking him to the ground while keeping the head to the side of the ball-carrier's body.

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