Reducing Tackle Height in Women's Rugby Leads to Safer Play, Study Finds

A recent study highlights the positive impact of lowering the legal tackle height in women's rugby. The research, conducted in partnership with Scottish Rugby and World Rugby, analyzed over 11,000 tackles from different seasons to assess behavioral changes and injury risks. The findings demonstrate that the new law, which mandates tackling below the sternum, significantly reduces dangerous head contacts and head-to-shoulder collisions, which are common causes of concussion.

Specifically, the study observed a 21% decrease in upright tackles and a 34% rise in tackles executed with players leaning at the waist, a safer tackling technique. There was a marked 64% reduction in tackles where the ball carrier's head and neck were initially contacted, alongside a 17% decrease in head-to-head impacts and a 35% drop in head-to-shoulder contacts for tacklers.

Video analysis from the 34 Scottish women's rugby matches revealed a significant decrease in dangerous contact points—contacts above the sternum (also called the red zone)—by 19%. Furthermore, head proximity before contact was reduced by nearly a third. Importantly, no increases were observed in contact with the hips or knees, which are also injury-prone zones.

The law change, introduced for the 2023/24 season, also led to an increase in sanctions for high tackles, reflecting greater enforcement of the new rules. Although injury rates, including concussions, did not significantly change during the first season of law implementation, the overall trend suggests enhanced player safety.

Lead researcher Hannah Walton emphasized that these behavioral adjustments and contact reductions are promising steps toward injury prevention. The ongoing collection of detailed injury and tackle data is vital for further understanding the long-term benefits of such law changes.

The study, part of a broader international effort led by World Rugby involving multiple countries, aims to improve player safety across both community and professional levels. Scottish Rugby plans to continue monitoring the impact of these law changes and expand research into youth rugby, aspiring to foster safer playing environments for women and all players alike.

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-05-tackle-height-women-rugby.html