SA Rugby to discuss lowering tackle height for schools, clubs: 'Essential to the sport's future'

SA Rugby says it will discuss the possible implementation of experimental law changes to lower the height of a legal tackle in amateur rugby.

This comes after World Rugby recommended reducing the permitted tackle height to below the sternum (middle of the chest area) in the community game.

This recommendation will be discussed by the global governing body's council in May, and if approved, national unions (like SA Rugby) would be given the choice of agreeing to a global trial.

READ World Rugby's full statement 

In response, SA Rugby said it would discuss the matter with its member unions and the South African Schools Rugby Association (Sasra).

SA Rugby said if they agreed to the trial, it would only be implemented in schools and club rugby.

"Changes that increase enjoyment and participation while improving safety have to be welcomed and we will now workshop these proposals with those most intimately connected with the delivery of the amateur game, our member unions and the schools," SA Rugby president Mark Alexander said in a statement.

"Our sport is moving in the right direction with such initiatives but, when, where and how we would be ready to implement them in SA needs to be thoroughly considered. If they are implemented here, we must do it with clarity and full buy-in."

Alexander said the matter would be discussed at the next meeting of the Amateur Rugby Committee of the South African Rugby Union.

World Rugby said the proposal followed extensive analysis and consultation with unions. It reflected the global governing body's "core mission of a global sport for all, seeking to enhance the experience for players in order to keep building engagement across the globe".

It said that trials conducted since 2019 in the community