World Rugby has officially signed off on a series of significant law changes that will come into force from July 1, with player welfare at the centre of the governing body’s latest push to make the game safer.
The headline change sees lower tackle heights become a permanent feature of community rugby around the world following extensive trials that showed a reduction in concussion rates. But that is far from the only alteration on the way.
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From new scrum regulations and restrictions on water carriers to the controversial 20-minute red card, rugby fans can expect several important changes to the way the game is played and officiated moving forward.
Here is a breakdown of the five major law changes that have now been approved.
1. Lower Tackle Height Becomes Permanent
World Rugby has officially approved lower tackle heights across the grassroots game worldwide from July 1.
- All unions must adopt the law.
- Unions can choose between the base of the sternum or waist height as the maximum legal tackle height.
- The law is designed to reduce head injuries and concussions.
- Analysis of approximately 150,000 tackles across 11 trial nations showed concussion rates fell following its introduction.
Coming To The Professional Game?
The law will also be trialled at this summer’s World Under-20 Championship in Georgia.
Tackles above the sternum will be illegal, although an exemption will apply for close-range pick-and-go situations near the try-line.
