World Rugby modifies dangerous tackle laws ahead of Nations Championship
2 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Oct 7, 2026, 10:28 AM
Last updated Oct 7, 2026
World Rugby will implement new penalties for the 'hip drop' and 'knee drop' tackles starting November 1. This decision follows an emphasis on player welfare and comes after discussions at the Shape of the Game conference earlier this year. The hip drop tackle has been linked to serious leg injuries, prompting the governing body to take action. Sanctions for these tackles will not be enforced during the Bledisloe Cup and upcoming WXV Global Series fixtures. World Rugby officials express gratitude to unions for raising concerns over player safety.
- •New penalties for dangerous 'hip drop' and 'knee drop' tackles effective November 1.
- •Changes were influenced by discussions at the Shape of the Game conference.
- •Research indicated that hip drop tackles can lead to significant injuries.
- •Sanctions will not apply to the Bledisloe Cup or WXV fixtures.
- •World Rugby aims to prioritize player welfare through revised tackle regulations.
- 11:16 AMESPN Rugby — World Rugby finally moves on 'rare' hip-drop tackles
- 9:20 AMYahoo Sports — World Rugby confirms changes to dangerous tackle law ahead of Nations Championship
"World Rugby has moved to align with the NRL and NFL in outlawing the dangerous "hip-drop" tackle.
"The so-called ‘hip drop’ tackle will now be penalised
Sources
External links- ESPN RugbyOct 7, 2026, 11:16 AMWorld Rugby finally moves on 'rare' hip-drop tackles
World Rugby has moved to align with the NRL and NFL in outlawing the dangerous "hip-drop" tackle.
- Yahoo SportsOct 7, 2026, 9:20 AMWorld Rugby confirms changes to dangerous tackle law ahead of Nations Championship
The so-called ‘hip drop’ tackle will now be penalised
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