New tackle height law introduced to Rugby Capricornia comp in 2024

A Rugby Capricornia administrator, referee and former player has welcomed the move in the interests of player safety but concedes it will take some getting used to.

Rugby Capricornia will introduce a new tackle height limit in its 2024 competition in line with Rugby Australia recommendations.

A change to the legal tackling height in rugby union won’t change the fundamentals of the game, according to a Rugby Capricornia administrator, referee and former player.

Ben Wiltshire has, in the interests of player safety, welcomed the two-year trial of the new law which will lower the tackle height to below the sternum.

While he concedes it will take some to adjust, he believes it is a positive move and one that other sports in the country will also soon adopt.

The new tackle height law will come into effect from February 2024.

Rugby Australia is backing the World Rugby recommendation for the change, which will come into effect in all domestic rugby competitions from February 2024.

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.

Wiltshire is Rugby Capricornia secretary, a senior referee and a former player with Rockhampton Brothers.

“It’s very interesting,” he said of the law change.

“There’s a lot of speculation and a lot of people who are hesitant about how it’s going to change the game but it’s been done after a lot of research that’s shown it reduces concussions.

“It’s been trialled overseas already for a number of years and it has shown to reduce injuries and concussions to players.

“I think anything that improves the safety of players has to be a good thing.”

Ben Wiltshire: “We will be doing information sessions with the clubs...”

Wiltshire said it would “take time for adjustment” for both players and referees but there would be a lot of communication and education around its introduction.

“We will be doing information sessions with the clubs on the change but if there are illegal tackles - tackles above that height - they will be penalised,” he said.

“It doesn’t change the fundamentals of the game; the copybook traditional tackle was always below that height anyway and traditional tackling learning is to tackle below that height.”

Wiltshire said the new law would not change the yellow and red card protocols, and tackles above the sternum that did not contact the head would result only in a penalty.

“Rugby’s the first of the codes (to do this) but with liability and health being a priority, I’ve got no doubt at all that other codes will follow,” he said.