SA Rugby to discuss tackle height changes for amateur rugby
SA Rugby is set to discuss the possible implementation of experimental law changes to lower the height of a legal tackle in amateur rugby, following an announcement by World Rugby on Monday.
The sport’s global governing body has recommended reducing the permitted tackle height to below the sternum (the middle of the chest) in the community game.
If approved by the international federation’s Council in May, national unions will be given the choice of opting-in to a global trial.
SA Rugby said it would now consult with its member unions and the South African Schools Rugby Association on their views on the proposal prior to a potential roll-out of the trial in SA.
SA Rugby President Mark Alexander said they welcome the changes that increase enjoyment and participation while improving safety.
"We will now workshop these proposals with those most intimately connected with the delivery of the amateur game, our member unions and the schools.
“Our sport is moving in the right direction with such initiatives but, when where and how we would be ready to implement them in SA needs to be thoroughly considered. If they are implemented here, we must do it with clarity and full buy-in.”
If the trial were to be deployed in South Africa it would only apply to the school and club game.
The recommendation would be considered at the next meeting of the Amateur Rugby Committee of the South African Rugby Union.
In a statement, World Rugby said the proposal followed extensive analysis and consultation with unions.
The trials conducted since 2019 in the community game in France, South Africa, Georgia and Fiji had delivered positive advances in player safety, by reducing the number of head impacts and concussions, and the overall game experience by supporting increased ball in play flow.
“The community game is the lifeblood of our sport, representing 99 per cent of our participants, and the proposed tackle height adjustment has already delivered positive game shape and playing experience outcomes,”
“This is essential to the sport’s future. The evidence we have, from France in particular, shows that not only does reducing the tackle height make the game safer but it increases numbers playing as well. That has to be the aim for everyone involved in our game,” said World Rugby chairman Bill Beaumont.
Independent research had shown that the tackle was responsible for 74% of all concussions, and reducing the height of the tackle protected both players.
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