RFU Approves Tackle Height Reduction For Grassroots Rugby In England

The Rugby Football Union (RFU) has agreed to lower the height of the rugby tackle across the community game from July 2023 in a move designed to improve player safety and reduce the risk of concussion. The RFU Council voted unanimously in favor of the changes, which will see the rugby tackle height set at waist height or below. The changes will apply to the community game at all levels, including clubs, schools, colleges and universities.

The decision is based on data and evidence that has consistently shown that higher contact on the ball carrier and closer proximity of the ball carrier and tackler’s heads are associated with larger head impacts and an increased risk of concussion. Lowering the height of the tackle and encouraging the tackler to bend more at the waist will minimize the risk of this occurring while maintaining the tackle as an integral part of the game.

Ball carriers will also be encouraged to follow the principle of evasion, which is a mainstay of the game, to avoid late dipping and thereby avoid creating a situation where a bent tackler may be put at increased risk of head-on-head contact with the ball carrier through a late or sudden change in body height of the ball carrier. The RFU will also develop programs to support players, coaches and match officials, including detailed law application guidelines, to ensure that everyone is ready for the new season.

RFU President Nigel Gillingham said, “Players’ welfare must always be at the center of decisions we make about how we play the game of rugby. Evidence from our own research and from around the world clearly shows that lowering the tackle height will reduce head impact exposure and the risk of concussion.” He added, “The RFU Council is able to influence how the game is played at the community level in this country and, therefore, has unanimously supported the decision to lower the tackle height to waist level. The tackle will remain the primary method of stopping the ball carrier using safe techniques that are taught from an early age.”

The changes will be implemented in the 2023/2024 season, and it will be interesting to see how it will affect the game and the players’ safety. The RFU is committed to reducing head impacts in contact training in both the community and elite games and will be supportive of any law changes that World Rugby proposes for matches at the elite level that will further reduce head impact exposure.