World Rugby said that from November 1, hip-drop tackles in rugby union will draw at least a penalty. Referees will also be told to enforce the existing ban on knee-drop tackles more strictly.
In a hip-drop tackle, the tackler drops their full weight onto the ball carrier’s legs. World Rugby cited research suggesting the rare technique can cause serious injuries. South Africa’s Elrigh Louw suffered a knee ligament injury in such a tackle and missed ten months.
A knee-drop tackle is made with one knee on the ground. The laws already prohibit a player on the ground without the ball from tackling or attempting to tackle an opponent. World Rugby said referees would apply the rule more strictly amid a rise in the technique and related injuries.
The governing body announced the measures on October 7 after an expert group reviewed tackle-height evidence. The group examined trials at the Under-20 World Championship. In June, World Rugby also allowed national unions to choose a lower legal tackle height for amateur rugby, at either waist level or the base of the sternum.