A hotly debated topic has emerged this week in the world of rugby: should the height of tackles be reduced at school and club level to decrease the likelihood of concussions?

World Rugby recommends an opt-in trail

World Rugby’s Executive Board has announced a global trial to lower the tackle height. The trial is open to National Unions, who have the option to opt-in.

Currently, the legal tackle height is set at the shoulders. However, World Rugby recommends that the limit be set at the Sternum. This is also known as the “belly tackle”.

England’s Rugby Football Union (RFU) has gone one step further and announced that from 1 June, any tackle above the waist will be penalized as a high tackle. According to a statement from World Rugby, this will enhance the community rugby experience for all.

Science backs the lowering of a legal tackle

A peer-reviewed study conducted in South Africa found that lowering the height of a legal tackle reduced concussions by 31%.

On the heels of World Rugby’s law recommendation, the South African Rugby Union (SARU) confirmed that they might opt into the proposed trial. However, there are some in the South African School Rugby circuit who are against the change.

They believe that this change will have a devastating effect on the game of rugby.

Not all back SARU’s potential trial

The Chairperson of the Golden Lions School Rugby association, Tinus Diedericks, spoke to Netwerk24 and is of the opinion that the law change will lead to the downfall of rugby.

According to Diedericks, matches will come to a frequent stop due to constant penalties being conceded.

This argument seems flimsy, as players will have ample time on the training field to prepare for the change.

It remains to be seen whether the trial will be successful, but the evidence so far supports World Rugby’s decision.

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