Non-professional Australian rugby players will have to adjust their sights and tackle below the sternum next year after the governing body confirmed on Friday that it will implement a bold new trial.
Rugby Australia said the trial was designed to make the game safer but admitted there would be teething problems at players adjust to the new guidelines.
World Rugby research states that the risk of concussion is more than four times higher when the tackler’s head is above the ball carrier’s sternum.
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Officials will also be asked to place greater emphasis on the existing law preventing a ball carrier from ‘dipping’ into a tackle and placing themselves, and potentially the defender, in an unsafe position.
The new law will not change the ability for an attacking player to pick and go where the ball carrier typically starts and continues at a low body height.
It applies to all levels of the game below Super Rugby and kicks in from February 10.
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Rugby Australia chief executive Phil Waugh – a fierce and accurate tackler in his playing days – said the decison was not taken lightly.
“Research from around the world has clearly identified safety as the No.1 issue preventing fans and potential players from taking up the game,” Waugh said.
“Obviously it is impossible to remove all risk from the game, however we firmly believe that promoting safer tackle techniques, and reducing the risk of head contact and concussion will lead to an even safer game.
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“I am confident our players and coaches at all levels of the game will continue to work on safe and effective tackle technique.
“This is firmly in the best interests of the game, however there may be an adjustment period for players and match officials, and I would ask for patience and respect between all parties as we embark on this journey.”
Similar trials have already taken place in the community game in France, England, New Zealand, South Africa, Ireland, Wales and Scotland.
Preliminary data in South Africa has shown a 30 per cent reduction in concussions, while France recorded a 64 per cent reduction in head on head contact – as well as a 14 per cent increase in participation on pre-COVID levels.
“In the French trial, they saw a significant increase in penalties in the first year of the trial, followed by a substantial drop in those numbers over the next two years as players and officials adjusted to the new measures,” Waugh said.
“We will continue to ensure that any decisions that have the potential to impact the game are driven by research and evidence that prioritise player safety.”