Lowering the legal tackle height has led to a significant 38% to 63% decline in concussion rates among amateur rugby players.
The rule change, pioneered by the Irish Rugby Football Union, shifted the target tackle zone from the armpit to the base of the sternum.
Ball carriers are now penalized for late dipping during contact, a move designed to prevent dangerous head-to-head collisions on the pitch.
The new safety protocol for tackle height has been officially adopted by World Rugby for the amateur community game as of July 2026.