Tackle height lowered at SA schools, club rugby levels in search of player safety

SA Rugby has confirmed significant changes in tackle laws at school and club level in an effort to keep players safe.

According to a statement released by the organisation, the changes were approved by the members of the South African Rugby Union at a general council meeting on Friday.

Most notable is that the legal tackle height has been lowered, with players now having to make the hit at the base of the sternum or below. 

There are also changes to ball carrying actions and techniques. 

- Tackles in open play must be made at the base of the sternum (breastbone) or below.

- Double tackles and second tacklers (as per law) are permitted in open play but must be made at the base of the sternum or below.

- The ball carrier in open play may carry the ball into contact in a forward bent body position, but must have head and shoulders above the hips, and must make the ‘safe zone’ between the sternum and mid-thigh accessible to the tackler.

- The ball carrier in open play may not carry the ball headfirst into contact with the body fully bent and horizontal, or with head lower than the hips.

- The ball carrier may ‘pick-and-drive’ in a low body position (lower concussion risk).

- The ball carrier at the ‘pick-and-drive’ may not place a hand on the ground prior to contact to propel themselves forwards into contact (the technique known locally as the ‘cannon-arm’).

"We believe that the changes will positively lower the head contact risk," said Rian Oberholzer, CEO of SA Rugby.

"With the parallel law changes to the ball carrier actions, there will also be a gradual improvement in the risk of serious brain, head, neck, and spine injuries to both tacklers and ball carriers.

"Rugby is a dynamic game, and it is impossible to control all players’