World Rugby has confirmed that tackle height in the amateur game will be lowered from 1 July as part of a global push to improve player safety.
Under the new law variation, tackles must be made below the waist or at the base of the sternum, replacing the previous legal tackle area around the chest.
The change follows extensive trials conducted in competitions around the world, with the governing body citing positive results in its efforts to reduce head impacts and make the game safer at grassroots level.
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World Rugby chairman Brett Robinson welcomed the move and thanked those involved in the testing process.
“I welcome the adoption of a lower tackle height into community law.
“I would like to thank all the unions and academics and most importantly players and referees who took part in the trials that have helped us to reach this point.
“The trials from around the world show that this is the right thing to do to make our game safer and more enjoyable for community players who are the lifeblood of our sport.”
World Rugby believes the amendment will encourage safer tackle techniques while maintaining the physical nature of the game.
ALSO: SA Rugby sets national tackle age
The law variation will apply to community rugby globally and will also be tested at an elite age-group level during this year’s World Rugby Under-20 Championship in Georgia.
The tournament runs from 27 June to 18 July and will provide another opportunity for officials to assess the impact of the lower tackle height in a high-performance environment.
– AFP
Photo: Richard Huggard/Gallo Images
The post New tackle rules get green light appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
World Rugby has confirmed that tackle height in the amateur game will be lowered from 1 July as part of a global push to improve player safety.
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