World Rugby’s Executive Board has issued a recommendation that a lower tackle height be written into community game law as of July 1, 2026. This recommendation has been made following 11 unions taking part in a community law trial over the past 18 months, and is pending approval by the World Rugby Council.

The community trials, in conjunction with high-quality research, including important Canadian-led studies, have contributed significantly to a global understanding of tackle height as it relates to safety and injury prevention.

Rugby Canada will continue to work closely with World Rugby on following the next steps in this process as it moves to the World Rugby Council for approval. As more information becomes available, Rugby Canada will share updates and available resources to support provincial unions, clubs, and the wider rugby community.

The full announcement from World Rugby can be found here.