U20s tackle height lowered to ‘below the nipple’

WORLD Rugby is to trial two new tackle laws at the upcoming U20 World Championship in a bid to combat risk of head injury.

The new directive will see the acceptable height of the tackle lowered, encouraging players to bend at the waist when attempting a tackle.

The laws lower the acceptable height of a tackle to ‘below the nipple line’, and additional punishments for transgressors will be implemented.

A high tackle warning will be issued if the tackler does not bend at the waist when tackling and there is clear and obvious head contact for either player.

World Rugby chairman Bill Beaumont said he is committed to lower the concussion rate in rugby.

“As a rugby father with sons playing at the elite and community level, I am committed to ensuring that rugby remains at the forefront of injury-prevention, specifically in the priority area of concussion,” he said.

“As a sport, we have collectively made excellent progress in the programmes and initiatives that have been implemented, and they are benefiting players at all levels.

“This trial builds on the success of lowering of the acceptable tackle height and furthers rugby’s commitment to ensure that high-risk tackles, identified through unprecedented research, are eradicated from the game, by removing contact between the tackler’s head and the head of their opponent.”