To support player welfare, the RFU Council agreed on Monday 16th January to lower the height of the tackle across the community game from July 1 2023.
From next season 2023/24, the tackle height in age-grade and adult rugby will drop from the arm pit to the waist or below. The aim is to reduce head-to-head impact and concussion risk in the tackle for both the ball carrier and tackler.
Ball carriers will be encouraged to avoid late dipping, putting a bent, low tackler at increased risk through a late or sudden change in body height. Programmes and guidelines will be provided by the RFU to ensure players, coaches and match officials will be ready for next season.
