England prop Ellis Genge has questioned World Rugby's decision to outlaw hip-drop tackles, calling the rule change "berserk" just days before the autumn Nations Championship begins.
The new law, which officially came into force on November 1, makes the tackling technique illegal, with players facing at least a penalty if found guilty of a hip-drop tackle. World Rugby has justified the change on player-welfare grounds, citing research highlighting the potential for serious lower-limb injuries.
Genge questions timing of law change
Genge, England's vice-captain, criticised the timing of the decision, expressing concern that players and coaches have had little opportunity to adapt their defensive techniques ahead of the autumn internationals.
"I think the fact our game after all this time still changes rules year to year is berserk, particularly when we're speaking about making it palatable for new people to come in. I think it's mental but I assume they're trying to refine it for the best," Genge said.
The new regulation specifically targets situations where a tackler grasps an opponent from the side or behind, swings around or through them and drops their hips or bodyweight onto the ball carrier's legs as they are brought to ground. While a penalty is the minimum sanction, more serious examples can result in yellow or red cards.
Recent incidents highlight confusion
The introduction has already caused confusion, with two notable incidents in recent weeks bringing the issue into sharp focus.
During Sale Sharks' Premiership encounter with Harlequins, referee Christophe Ridley was forced to reverse a decision after initially penalising a suspected hip-drop tackle. Ridley had identified a tackle involving Sale fly-half George Ford and Harlequins forward Chandler Cunningham-South as an offence under the incoming law.
However, Sale captain Ernst van Rhyn pointed out that the new regulation was not yet in force, prompting the official to reconsider. Ridley admitted his mistake, telling the players: "Lads, lads, you are right. I'm wrong. Sorry. So many law changes in the game, I can't keep up!"
The issue was also highlighted during New Zealand's Bledisloe Cup clash with Australia on October 10. All Blacks winger Leroy Carter was left injured after being brought down by Wallabies forward Rob Valetini in the 67th minute of their encounter at Eden Park. Valetini came from behind and appeared to drop his weight onto Carter's lower legs as the New Zealander attempted to score.
Carter was left in obvious discomfort and required assistance to leave the field, with the full extent of his injury initially unclear. New Zealand head coach Dave Rennie subsequently compared the incident to a hip-drop tackle. "It didn't look good. Sort of like a hip-drop type tackle, landed on the back of his ankle," he said.
Coaches and players urged to adapt
The incident came just three days after World Rugby announced its decision to outlaw the technique, although the new regulation was not due to take effect until November 1.
England head coach Steve Borthwick has acknowledged the challenge but insisted his side must adapt quickly. "I don't think we can argue against anything that protects the players who play this intense game. What we've got to be is the quickest team to adjust," he said.
