Rugby Australia to trial lowering legal tackle height from shoulder lines to sternum

Rugby Australia says it wants to be part of a trial in community rugby to lower the legal tackle height from the shoulder line to below the sternum. Key points: World Rugby has called on national unions to conduct trials on lowering the tackle height to below the sternum The trial will only be for community rugby World Rugby says 74 per cent of concussions in rugby come during tackles The move follows an announcement from World Rugby calling on national unions to conduct trials aimed at reducing the amount of concussions in the game. "As part of the trial, Rugby Australia will undertake broad community consultation to gather feedback from players, coaches, match officials, teachers, parents, administrators and medical professionals to ensure their perspective is considered in any future decisions on tackle height in the community game," Rugby Australia chief executive Andy Marinos said. The proposed changes are just for community rugby — the level underneath premier club rugby — but Gilpin said World Rugby would be open to member unions conducting closed trials at the elite level.