The Rugby Football Union council has announced that starting July 1, 2023, the community game will enforce a reduction in tackle height for player safety.
Tackles will only be permitted from waist height or lower. The decision was made based on research that shows lowering tackle height reduces head impact exposure and the risk of concussion.
The change will apply to clubs, schools, colleges, universities, and all age-grade and adult levels, including National One and below in men’s game and Championship One and below in women’s game.
The change has sparked widespread outrage.
England winger Jack Nowell. wrote: “Oh wow. My dreams have been crushed of one day going back to play for Pirates,”
Lewis Ludlow said: “Well concussions are about to go through the roof in the community game!”t
Wallabies lock Oliver Hoskins commented: “I was part of the trial of similar laws during the Championship Cup season a few years ago… we literally had exponentially more concussions because of it. Tackle choice is situational and forcing low tackles in all cases is even more dangerous.”
Dan Mugford commented: “RFU you have Royally fucked it! Stop ruining the game. Cheers.”