Six Nations: England coach Mike Catt rejects Welsh claims over 'illegal tactics'

Mike Catt has responded to criticism from Wales coach Shaun Edwards that England will use illegal tactics in the Six Nations opener in Cardiff.

Edwards has flagged up England’s ‘rugby league style’ tactics which he feels intentionally disrupt opposing defenders.

"They will come at you with what we call 'league plays' with that ball out the back,” said Wales’ defence specialist.

“It’s important that we get our structures right and it is also important there is no obstruction of our defensive players ahead of the ball.”

But Catt believes the attacking strategies are not only within the laws of the game but also ones that are used regularly by Wales themselves.

"Probably everyone in world rugby does what we do, so I don't know what Shaun's concern is," Catt said.

Probably everyone in world rugby does what we do, so I don't know what Shaun's concern is.

"There's nothing illegal about it. Every team runs those sorts of shapes. The rugby league guys do it. It's league and union and everyone together. I don't know why Wales don't do it. They do, surprise surprise.

"I think this is the first time it's been pulled up. Now it's run in such detail and with such precision that sometimes you get it wrong, but a lot of the time you get it right.

"Unless you're running into a player, I don't think you're obstructing. If you go in between two players, that's not obstruction."

The coaches met with referee Jerome Garces – who will take charge of Friday night’s game in Cardiff – and the concerns over obstruction have been raised by the Welsh camp.

Edwards feels the England contingent will have highlighted the way the Welsh use their rolling maul.

"I’m sure Graham (Rowntree) will go in there with his clipboard to the referee’s meeting and say that (Wales loosehead) Gethin Jenkins comes in at this angle and (tighthead) Samson Lee goes in at the wrong angle,” he said.