An academic from Queen Mary Univesity of London has joined more than 70 doctors and health experts in writing to the Government to call for a ban on tackling in school rugby games.
They warn of a high risk of serious injury among under-18s from the "high-impact collision sport", and said schools should move to touch rugby and non-contact rugby.
The signatories warned that spinal injuries and head injuries incurred during play "can have short-term, life-long, and life-ending consequences for children".
Professor Allyson Pollock from Queen Mary University of London said: "Parents expect the state to look after their children when they are at school.
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"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.
"Children are being left exposed to serious and catastrophic risk of injury.
"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."
It said many UK secondary schools deliver contact rugby as a compulsory part of the physical education curriculum from age 11.
The Rugby Football Union has carried out a three-year injury prevention and surveillance study on schoolboy injuries and created a RugbySafe guidance programme to grassroots organisations and players of all levels.
It said it has provided building blocks to the 15-a-side game, so young players in both schools and clubs have time to get to grips with the basics before contact is gradually introduced.
A spokesman said: "This means that full 15-a-side rugby will begin a year later at under 14 and provide a gradual and more managed introduction of the contact game around the tackle will take place from under nine to under 12 instead of over just two years at under nine and under 10 as previously. This will give players, teachers and coaches more time to master the techniques in a safer and more supportive environment."
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The organisation said that "high quality coaching, officiating, medical support and appropriate player behaviour" would help to reduce the risk of injury.
The Department for Education said it expects schools to "be aware of the risks associated with sporting activities and to provide a safe environment for pupils."