Rugby Australia is committed to player safety and longevity. That’s why we’re backing World Rugby’s recommendation to lower the tackle height in the community game to below the sternum.
Rugby Australia has confirmed that from February 2024, it will implement a new trial that will see the legal height of tackles in the game lowered to below the sternum. The new law (9.13) will see dangerous tackling now deemed to include, but not be limited to, tackling or attempting to tackle an opponent above the line of the sternum.
This will apply to all domestic rugby competitions (excluding Super Rugby Pacific & Super Rugby W).
Rugby club administrators and participants are encouraged to download social media assets via this link to share among their communities.
The video below is from our webinar series to Clubs and Schools, and goes through the why, how and what of tackle height implantation in Australia in 2024 and 2025.
Smart Tackle - Education
To assist coaches, match officials, and players with the Tackle Height law changes, Rugby Australia and its Member Unions will be hosting Smart Tackle clinics, webinars and eLearning courses.
FAQs
Rugby Australia has produced some responses to Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs). Please select the link below to view the Tackle Height FAQs.