A CONTROVERSIAL Hampshire academic is backing calls for children to be banned from tackling in schools rugby.

Prof Eric Anderson says children are at greater risk of serious injury because they are less physically developed in a high-impact sport.

He is one of a number of doctors and academics to sign an open letter to government ministers.

Writing in a national newspaper, the Winchester University academic said: "Our contention is not with rugby, there are many positive things that come from this team sport; our contention is with the collisions that occur in rugby.

"Schoolchildren should not be forced to collide with other children as part of the national curriculum for physical education."

According to the British Journal of Sports Medicine, the structure of rugby, namely the collisions involved, also lead to an extremely high rate of injury, said Prof Anderson.

"For example, in one recent research article on 825 school-aged rugby players followed for one academic year, there were 426 injuries, of which 204 kept children from playing sport for 28 days or longer.

"This research also found that there were 81 diagnosed concussions.

"Given the difficult nature of diagnosing concussion, this is a worrying figure."

The academics say children should play tag rugby where injuries are greatly reduced.

Mr Anderson, professor of sport and masculinities, who is openly gay, was at the centre of controversy last year after telling an audience in 2011 that he enjoys sex with 16 and 17-year old youths.

His stance on rugby has been criticised by Cllr Dominic Hiscock, a former mayor of Winchester and lifelong rugby fan. He has three sons who are keen players.

He said it was a ridiculous idea: "Tackling is a major part of the game. "What is needed is an understanding and coaching on how to tackle.

"You need tackling. My sons loved it. Taking it out would destroy the game. It is a ridiculous idea.

"My sons would would not have had the same interest if it was not a contact sport. They are not bullies."

Cllr Hiscock said there a greater safety factor: "If a child wants to play rugby it is much safer.

"If the child does not want to be involved then a rugby field is not a sensible place to be."

Prof Anderson responded to Chronicle requests for a comment but when asked if he had ever played rugby ended the call, saying: "If that is the way this interview is going, goodbye."

The letter launches a campaign including a petition on the change.org website which, if it receives 100,000 signatures, will trigger the consideration of a debate by MPs.