New tackle height among five law changes confirmed by World Rugby

World Rugby has approved a permanent reduction in legal tackle height for community rugby, effective July 1 for new seasons. Ratified by the World Rugby Council in Dublin, the change allows unions to set the limit at the waist or base of the sternum to reduce avoidable head impacts.

The decision follows two years of trials involving more than 150,000 tackles across 10 unions. According to World Rugby, the data showed that lowering the tackle height reduced upright tackles, which the governing body identifies as the most likely cause of avoidable head impacts.

Did You Know? The permanent reduction in tackle height for community rugby was based on extensive evidence from trials involving 10 different unions and over 150,000 individual tackles.

Why is World Rugby lowering the legal tackle height?

The primary driver is player welfare. World Rugby chairman Brett Robinson stated that player welfare is “at the heart of everything that rugby does” and that the change makes the game safer for community players.

The governing body aims to minimize head contact by limiting the height at which players can legally engage. Robinson credited the contributions of academics, players, and referees in reaching this evidence-backed conclusion.

What other law changes were approved?

The World Rugby Council adopted four additional trials into full law. These changes impact several aspects of match play and officiating:

Scrum brake foot: This trial has been adopted as a permanent law.
Water carriers: New restrictions govern how water carriers enter the field of play.
TMO status: The television match official is now formally recognized as part of the officiating team.
Red cards: Elite competitions maintain the option to use 20-minute red cards if they choose.

Expert Insight: Samantha Carter notes that the shift toward a lower tackle height represents a systemic move toward injury prevention. By combining these law changes with technology like smart mouthguards in the elite game, rugby is attempting to balance the physical nature of the sport with modern medical evidence regarding head trauma.

How will these changes impact elite rugby?

While the permanent change currently applies to community rugby, the governing body is moving toward similar adjustments for professional play. World Rugby will begin testing a lower tackle height in the elite game shortly.

Overview Of World Rugby Proposal To Lower Tackle Height In The Community Game

Initial trials for the elite level are scheduled to take place at the World Rugby Junior World Championship in Georgia later this month. This suggests a possible next step toward a universal tackle height standard across all levels of the sport.

Frequently Asked Questions

When does the new tackle height law take effect?
The law comes into force on July 1 for seasons beginning after that date.

What height options can unions choose for tackles?
Unions may choose a legal tackle height of either the waist or the base of the sternum.

Where will the elite game tackle height trials occur?
Trials will take place at the World Rugby Junior World Championship in Georgia.

Do you think lowering the tackle height will significantly change the way community rugby is played?