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With the concern around player welfare continuing to grow, World Rugby has taken steps to make the game safer by introducing new tackling laws.

Under the proposed laws, which are set to be trialled around the world in the coming years, tackling would be limited to waist-height or lower, and referees will be able to warn players over the technique.

According to World Rugby, tackling is the cause of 50% of all injuries in the sport and 76% of all concussions.

Explaining the change, World Rugby Chairperson, Sir Bill Beaumont advised “World Rugby is unwavering in its commitment to ensuring rugby is as simple and safe to play as possible for all.

“While injury incidence in the sport is not increasing and concussion incidence is decreasing, we can and must do more to reduce injuries at all levels.

“This is an important milestone on that journey.”

The change has been proposed as one of six new laws that will be trialled by World Rugby and, if successful, will be implemented before the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France.

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