It’s “Carry on Tackling” at our rugby clubs in Gravesend and Dartford.

They are not swayed by some 70 doctors and academics who have publicly called on government ministers to ban tackling in schools to avoid serious injuries such as fractures and concussions.

In an open letter to ministers, the doctors argue two thirds of injuries in youth rugby are down to tackles and they want schools to switch to touch tackling and non-contact rugby.

Supporters say rugby builds character and other forms are less challenging. Full contact tackling does not start until over 10 years of age. Before that it is just touch tackling, where players ‘touch’ or ‘tag’ their opponents with any part of their body or the ball instead.

The view from Dartford Valley Rugby Club (DVRFC) echoes that sentiment. Chairman Stephen Tite said: “As a rugby club we think that tackling is an integral part of the game; to ban it would be disastrous for the future of rugby.

“Youth players who have not been taught or participated in tackling will be more likely to hurt themselves when they are allowed to tackle.

“As a rugby club we think that tackling is an integral part of the game; to ban it would be disastrous for the future of rugby." - DVRFC Chairman Stephen Tite.

“We believe that more should be done to educate teachers on how to tackle correctly and ensure that those who teach rugby at a junior level are trained correctly.

“As a club we will continue to promote rugby in a controlled environment and ensure it’s taught correctly by qualified coaches who have the enjoyment and health and safety of every child in mind.”

Over at Gravesend Rugby Football Club, chairman Graham Haggar said: “I don’t disagree with the fact injuries can occur – that’s obvious – but reaction should be looked at in a positive way, not in a reactive stance.

“We’re very strict, along with other clubs, in ensuring it’s only ‘tag’ tackling below the age of 11 – it’s the law.

“The percentage of doctors who signed that letter are probably less than one per cent of the total doctor population.

“Rugby is a physical sport and that’s what you should accept.”

The letter to ministers claimed: “The majority of all injuries occur during contact or collision, such as the tackle and the scrum.”

It highlighted a link between “repeat concussions and cognitive impairment and an association with depression, memory loss and diminished verbal abilities.”