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Video: Shaun Edwards calls for the choke tackle to be banned

Wales defence coach Shaun Edwards has called for the choke tackle to be outlawed in world rugby.

Edwards says the tactic of holding an attacking player up off the ground by wrapping an arm around his neck and shoulders is a blight on the game.

He maintains it’s dangerous in that it encourages high tackles and he feels it adds nothing to the sport.

The choke tackle has become a trademark weapon of the Ireland team under their Aussie defence coach Les Kiss, an ex-rugby league player and coach.

The idea is to hold the ball carrier up off the deck in order to win a turnover via a put-in at the scrum.

But fellow league convert Edwards believes it has no place in the game and says banning it would improve player welfare.

“I think the choke tackle is very, very dangerous,” he said at today’s Wales press conference.

“To me, it’s a bit of a blight on the game at the moment

Video: The prime example of a choke tackle

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“It encourages people to tackle high.

“Everyone is going on about concussions and people tackling too high.

“Well, let’s start with that.

“I think referees should referee it as a tackle for longer.”

Addressing the assembled media, Edwards asked: “Does anyone here think it adds to the game in any way, shape or form?

“Do any of you think it makes the game more exciting?

“What happens after a choke tackle?”

Edwards revealed that Wales had a clean bill of health ahead of tomorrow’s team announcement for Saturday’s Six Nations clash with France in Paris.