The Seismic Shift in Rugby Tackles: A Game Forever Changed
The world of rugby is bracing for a fundamental change. World Rugby’s recommendation to lower the legal tackle height to the base of the sternum isn’t just a tweak to the rules; it’s a potential revolution in how the game is played, coached, and refereed. Already implemented in France, and rolling out across unions globally, this shift prioritizes player safety, but what does it *really* mean for the future of the sport?
Beyond the Sternum: Understanding the Core Principle
While the sternum is the designated landmark, the true essence of the new law lies in preventing head-on-head contact. As Dan Cottrell of Rugby Coach Weekly points out, the key is ensuring the heads of the tackler and ball carrier are never in the same space. This isn’t about memorizing anatomy; it’s about fundamentally altering tackling technique. It’s a move away from the traditional ‘dominant’ tackle and towards a focus on wrapping and controlling the ball carrier’s momentum lower down.
Here’s part two of our series with @RichieGrayGSI in partnership with @GILBERT_RUGBY
A great instructional video on how to drop your hips and make sure you are tackling below the sternum to adapt your technique for the new community game laws
This is a must-watch for all 👇 pic.twitter.com/w1nRqnITs0
— Rugby World (@Rugbyworldmag) September 12, 2023
The Ripple Effect: Coaching, Refereeing, and Player Adaptation
The impact extends far beyond the players. Coaches face the challenge of retraining players at all levels, emphasizing lower body strength, agility, and a new tackling skillset. Referees will need to quickly adapt to assessing tackle height and intent, a task complicated by the speed of the game. Expect an initial increase in penalties as players and officials adjust. The RFU’s flow chart, illustrating mitigating factors like pace, highlights the complexity of the new guidelines.
Early data from France, where the law has been in effect for some time, suggests a reduction in head injuries, but also a slight increase in lower limb injuries as players adjust their technique. This underscores the importance of proper conditioning and technique training.
The Pace Factor: A Critical Element in Decision-Making
The speed of both the tackler and the ball carrier is paramount. A slow-speed tackle is inherently less dangerous than a full-speed collision. The RFU guidelines acknowledge this, differentiating between tackles where players are bracing for contact versus those involving significant momentum. Furthermore, the actions of the ball carrier themselves are now under scrutiny. A late dip of the ball carrier to avoid a tackle could be deemed dangerous play, potentially resulting in a penalty.
Pro Tip: Focus on bending at the hips and knees during tackles. A lower center of gravity is crucial for safe and effective tackling under the new rules.
The Second Tackler: Opportunities and Challenges
With the emphasis on lower tackles, the role of the second tackler is evolving. While multiple tacklers remain permitted, the focus shifts from driving through the ball carrier to securing the ball. Opportunities arise for skillful ‘rip’ tackles, but these must be executed carefully to avoid penalties. The key is to avoid impacting with the shoulder above the sternum while attempting to dislodge the ball.
Future Trends: What to Expect in the Coming Years
Several trends are likely to emerge as rugby adapts to the new tackle height laws:
- Increased Emphasis on Evasion: Attackers will prioritize footwork and evasion skills to avoid direct contact, making the game more open and flowing.
- Development of Specialized Tackling Techniques: Coaches will develop and refine techniques specifically designed for low-impact, effective tackling.
- Technological Assistance for Referees: Expect increased use of technology, such as video replays and potentially even sensor technology, to assist referees in accurately assessing tackle height.
- Changes in Player Physique: A greater emphasis on lower body strength and agility could lead to a shift in the physical attributes valued in rugby players.
- Refinement of the Laws: World Rugby will likely continue to refine the laws based on data and feedback from unions around the world.
The long-term impact on the game remains to be seen, but the direction is clear: rugby is prioritizing player safety, even if it means fundamentally altering the way the game is played.
Did you know?
Studies have shown that reducing tackle height can significantly decrease the incidence of concussion and other head injuries in rugby. This is the primary driver behind the new law trial.
FAQ: Tackling the New Rules
- What is the legal tackle height? The base of the sternum.
- Does this apply to professional rugby? No, initially it’s focused on community and amateur levels (below Level three in England).
- What if the ball carrier dips into the tackle? A late dip could be penalized if it creates a dangerous situation.
- Will there be more penalties? Yes, initially, as players and referees adjust.
- Is the shoulder tackle still allowed? Yes, but it must be executed below the sternum.
Want to learn more about rugby safety and technique? Explore our articles on rugby fitness training and rugby skills drills. Share your thoughts on the new tackle height laws in the comments below!
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