Referee Christophe Ridley reversed a penalty decision during Sale Sharks' match against Harlequins after Sale captain Ernst van Rhyn pointed out that World Rugby's new hip-drop tackle law had not yet come into force. The incident occurred on Sunday, with Sale winning 28-24.
Referee acknowledges mistake
Ridley initially awarded a penalty against Sale for a suspected hip-drop tackle, explaining: "He grabs him from behind and then he drops his weight on the back of his heels. That's a penalty, it's a hip drop." Van Rhyn then asked whether the rule was already in force, and Ridley initially replied in the affirmative before the captain pressed further: "Is it not November?"
The official quickly conceded his error, saying: "Lads, lads, you are right. I'm wrong. Sorry. So many law changes in the game, I can't keep up!" He then spoke to Harlequins' Cadan Murley to explain the amended decision: "You are right about what you're saying, but it doesn't come in until November. So, from November, I'll give you that as a penalty."
Social media reaction
The exchange drew praise from rugby supporters on social media, with one fan writing: "Fair play to him though. Completely empathise with the referees." Another added: "Respect to the ref for admitting that," while a third said: "Love this ref and his humility to admit when wrong."
New law details
World Rugby announced last week that hip-drop tackles would become punishable by at least a penalty from November 1, ahead of the autumn internationals. The new law will explicitly include hip-drop tackles within the definition of dangerous play under Law 9.13, following a review by an expert tackle height working group that examined research and match footage.
The governing body has also highlighted knee-drop tackles, in which a defender drops to one or both knees before making contact with an opponent. That clarification can be applied immediately because the action is already covered by existing laws. World Rugby chair Brett Robinson said the changes demonstrated the organisation's commitment to player welfare, adding that evidence showed hip-drop tackles, although relatively rare, could cause significant leg injuries.
Bledisloe Cup incident
The law change also came into focus during Australia's Bledisloe Cup defeat to New Zealand, with Wallabies back-rower Rob Valetini involved in a tackle that left All Blacks winger Leroy Carter with a potentially serious ankle injury. New Zealand won 50-19 at Eden Park to retain the Bledisloe Cup, but Carter was forced off after Valetini's attempted tackle in the 67th minute.
New Zealand head coach Dave Rennie compared the incident to a hip-drop tackle, saying: "It didn't look good. Sort of like a hip-drop type tackle, landed on the back of his ankle." However, the new law was not yet in force, meaning the specific hip-drop provision could not be applied to the incident. From November 1, such tackles will carry at least a penalty, with the potential for further disciplinary action.
