Over the course of the last two years Irish Rugby has participated in a Global Tackle trial through world rugby to investigate the possible benefits of reducing the legal tackle height. We are pleased to announce that on the back of the preliminary findings of these studies we will be adding the tackle height into law for the coming season.
 
All tackles must be below the base of the sternum.
“Dangerous tackling includes, but is not limited to, tackling or attempting to tackle an opponent above the line of the sternum even if the tackle starts below the line of the sternum.”
 
In the coming season we would remind ball carriers of the importance of their behaviours in keeping safety as a priority in our game.
 
Ball carriers must not act recklessly
Rugby Union Law 9.11 states that: “Players must not do anything that is reckless or dangerous to others including leading with the elbow or forearm, or jumping into, or over, a tackler.”
 
Please see the relevant article on our website, https://www.irishrugby.ie/2025/08/05/tackle-behaviours-trial-update-legal-tackle-height-remains-below-the-level-of-the-sternum/
 
Over the coming months we will be releasing the preliminary findings along with new coaching supports.