World Rugby sets new tackle rules and sanctions

World Rugby has approved changes targeting hip-drop and knee-drop tackles, introducing an explicit rule and minimum sanction for hip-drop tackles from November 1 and issuing knee-drop guidance that took effect October 5. The hip-drop amendment will be added to Law 9.13, which covers dangerous play. World Rugby says an offence will carry a sanction of at least a penalty. The technique involves a tackler using bodyweight to bring a ballcarrier down and then dropping onto the player’s legs. The knee-drop guidance addresses a defender dropping to one or both knees before making contact. World Rugby says the action is already covered by the law prohibiting tackles while a player is on the ground; the guidance is intended to clarify how that existing rule should be applied. Officials can impose a penalty under the existing law. World Rugby chair Brett Robinson said the organisation’s review found hip-drop tackles were rare but could cause significant leg injuries, while knee-drop tackles were increasing. The governing body has not published the underlying analysis in the supplied information, so the data supporting those conclusions is not detailed here.