World Rugby bans hurdling in wake of controversial Pita Gus Sowakula try

Anyone wanting to copy Pita Gus Sowakula’s stunning hurdling try is out of luck, with World Rugby ruling that jumping over opponents will now be deemed illegal.

The Chiefs No 8 scored an athletic five-pointer in his side’s opening-round Super Rugby Pacific win over the Highlanders, leaping above the attempted tackle of Aaron Smith on his way to the line.

But it was a play that created controversy with punters divided on whether referee Paul Williams should have awarded the try, considering the potentially dangerous nature of the play.

The governing body has come back with official word saying jumping to hurdle a potential tackler is dangerous play, as is the act of a ball carrier jumping into a tackle.

The Chiefs will play the Blues at 3.35pm Saturday.

[Source: Stuff.co.nz]