Tackle height lowered in trials

New Zealand Rugby is to trial a reduction in the tackle height to below the sternum across all community rugby, including First XV schools rugby and senior premier club grades.

The dramatic reduction in tackle height from the current laws of below the shoulders is one part of a package of three trials that are designed to make the game safer.

The others relate to the scrum but there is no doubt the tackle height reduction will be the most widely debated as rugby positions itself to be a sustainable sport in the shadow of concussion and concerns about long-term brain health.

At the moment, the professional game is excluded from the trials.

If the trials are successful, the next generation of players graduating from First XV rugby into the professional arena may only know tackling at the belly level, making it easier for the elite game to make a similar switch.

New Zealand Rugby general manager community rugby Steve Lancaster said the changes – all backed by the 26 provincial unions – were trialled in selected grades last year and feedback from players, coaches and referees was positive.

There is one caveat: while the first tackler must target the belly or below, the second tackler can still make contact under the current laws – beneath the shoulders.