World Rugby will introduce a lower legal tackle height at the sternum to elite rugby for the first time at the World Rugby U20 Championship in 2026, which will be hosted in Georgia.
The decision follows successful trials in community rugby over the past two seasons involving 11 unions worldwide, which showed positive changes in player behaviour and early signs of reduced concussion rates.
The community trials recorded up to a 10 per cent reduction in upright tackles, prompting the World Rugby Executive Board to recommend that the opt-in trials become a full law at community level from July 2026.
In response to requests from several unions, World Rugby has now approved an expanded, closed trial at elite level, beginning with the U20 Championship.
The trial will include additional law measures aimed at maintaining the character of the game.
These include allowing pick-and-go situations near rucks and the try line, sanctioning ball carriers who lead dangerously with their head, and permitting double tackles provided the first contact is made below the sternum.
Conducting the trial within a single competition will allow teams, referees and players to prepare under one law environment, supported by an intensive education program.
The outcomes will be assessed using player safety, feedback and spectacle metrics before any further elite trials are considered.
World Rugby Chairman Dr Brett Robinson said player welfare remained the organisation’s top priority, while stressing the importance of preserving the essence of the sport.
Officials confirmed any permanent law change would require strong evidence and approval from the World Rugby Council.
