More than 70 doctors and health experts have written to the British government calling for a ban on tackling in school rugby games.
They warn of a high risk of serious injury among under-18s and said schools should move to touch rugby and non-contact rugby.
In the open letter, which is addressed to ministers, chief medical officers and children's commissioners, rugby is described as a "high-impact collision sport".
The signatories - who include sports scholars, academics, doctors, and public health professionals - said studies show the risks of injuries to under 18s "are high and injuries are often serious".
It said many UK secondary schools have contact rugby as a compulsory part of the physical education curriculum from age 11.
"The majority of all injuries occur during contact or collision, such as the tackle and the scrum," the letter said.
"These injuries which include fractures, ligamentous tears, dislocated shoulders, spinal injuries and head injuries can have short-term, life-long, and life-ending consequences for children."
The letter said concussion is a common injury and repeat concussion is most likely among players who have suffered it previously plus there is an association with depression, memory loss and diminished verbal abilities.
It also noted that children take longer to recover than adults.
Professor Allyson Pollock said "children are being left exposed to serious and catastrophic risk of injury".
"Rugby is a high-impact collision sport and given that children are more susceptible to injuries such as concussion, the absence of injury surveillance systems and primary prevention strategies is worrying.
"As a signatory to the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, the UK and Irish governments should ensure the safety of rugby, by removing the contact from the children's game in schools."
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