World Rugby has announced a law change to stamp out two dangerous tackle techniques ahead of the Nations Championship in November. From November 1, hip-drop tackles will be punishable by at least a penalty following the law change.
The so-called 'hip-drop' tackle sees a tackler drop their body weight onto the legs of the ball carrier. The tackle has previously been banned in rugby league, with rugby union now following suit after the issue was raised by a number of nations. Research has shown that the tackle, which is admittedly fairly rare, can cause serious injuries.
Working group investigation
Investigating the hip-drop tackle was an outcome of February's Shape of the Game meeting, with World Rugby establishing an expert tackle height working group to investigate. The group, which included the likes of Felix Jones, Tappe Henning and Richie Gray, reviewed lower tackle trials from the U20s World Championships, commissioned research with Leeds Beckett University and studied game analysis from the world of rugby before recommending to the executive board that the law around these tackles be clarified.
As such, World Rugby will amend Law 9.13 to explicitly include hip-drop tackles within the definition of dangerous play, with a sanction of penalty.
Recent incidents and knee-drop tackles
Last month saw Penrith Panthers halfback Nathan Cleary suffer a compound fracture and a dislocated ankle following a hip-drop tackle by Newcastle Knights' Phoenix Crossland. As well as denying Penrith a place in the NRL Grand Final, it has seen Cleary ruled out of the upcoming Rugby League World Cup. It has also seen calls for stricter policing of the hip-drop tackle in the 13-a-side game.
Another hip-drop tackle by Sydney Roosters' Victor Radley on Dolphins centre Herbie Farnworth only resulted in a $3000 fine - with the lock forward free to play in the Roosters' Grand Final triumph on the weekend.
World Rugby is also emphasising penalising “knee-drop” tackles, in which a defender drops to one or both knees before making contact with an attacker. Again, it's a relatively rare tackle technique. Wales flanker Tommy Reffell was shown a yellow card while playing for Leicester Tigers in 2024, with the referee deeming him to be off his feet as his right knee was on the ground.
The change to the 'knee-drop' tackle, unlike the hip-drop, is merely a law application guideline as it is currently covered in the current law. As such, it will be highlighted to players, coaches and match officials with immediate effect, reminding them it can be sanctioned with a penalty.
World Rugby's commitment to player welfare
On the new law amendments, World Rugby chair Brett Robinson said: “We’re grateful to unions for raising the issue of these types of tackle with us. My thanks go to the working group and wider World Rugby team for the speed and breadth of their research and analysis. These changes show the commitment across the globe to player welfare in rugby in action.
“Once we looked at the evidence, it was clear the hip drop tackles whilst rare, could cause significant leg injuries. It was also clear that knee drop tackles were on the rise.
“Protecting player welfare is at the heart of everything that World Rugby does and once we’d reviewed the analysis we’ve acted quickly to ensure that dangerous tackles of this nature are removed from the game, starting this weekend.”
