Scottish Rugby Announces Changes To Tackle Height In Community Game

Scottish Rugby’s Club Rugby Board (CRB) has approved a new law trial to reduce the tackle height in the community game from the start of the 2023/24 season. Following consultations with rugby stakeholders, the new trial will see the tackle height reduced from shoulder height to below the sternum in both genders and all age groups playing at the domestic level (Tennent’s Premiership and below).

The move to reduce the tackle height has been endorsed by World Rugby after trials conducted in France and South Africa showed a reduction in head-on-head contacts and concussions. Lowering the tackle height has also shown positive outcomes in increasing ball-in-play time, offloading and player participation.

The new law trials approved by the CRB are:

• Maximum height tackle in initial contact must be below the sternum
• The second tackler is still permitted but must make initial contact below the sternum
• There will be no change to the current laws regarding the ball carrier, but reckless play will be sanctioned (e.g. leading with the head)
• There will be no change to the current laws regarding a ‘pick and go’ scenario.

Scottish Rugby’s Rugby Development department conducted a series of online consultations with clubs, schools and referee societies in February, with 80 percent of participants indicating they were in favour of the lower tackle height.

To support the implementation of the law trials, Scottish Rugby has created a ‘Tackle Height Hub’ to host a suite of video and written resources on the changes, which will be added to throughout the summer. The Rugby Development department will also deliver educational programmes for coaches, players and match officials starting with a series of regional roadshows in May and June.

Scottish Rugby first implemented lower tackle height laws for age-grade level rugby at U15 level in 2017, but this is the first time the tackle height has been amended for all levels of domestic rugby in Scotland.

The new law trials are aimed at enhancing player welfare and enjoyment of the game. Keith Wallace, Scottish Rugby Vice President and CRB Chairman, said: “We strongly believe reducing the tackle height from next season encompasses both of those matters and will create a more positive, and ultimately safer environment, in which our sport is played.”

Mark Harrington, World Rugby Chief Player Welfare & Rugby Services Officer, commended Scottish Rugby for their open engagement and thoughtful consultation with everyone involved in the game in Scotland. “We now look forward to the next stage on the journey together, towards a community game that is both as safe as it can be and more enjoyable than ever for everyone who plays the game in Scotland,” he added.