Impact of Reduced Tackle Height on Women's Rugby: A Study

The implementation of lower legal tackle heights in women's rugby is yielding significant safety benefits, according to a recent study published in BMJ Open Sport & Exercise Medicine. This research highlights a notable decrease in head impacts among players following changes to tackle height regulations in community rugby leagues in Scotland.

Researchers from the University of Edinburgh conducted an extensive analysis of tackle data from over 11,000 instances during the 2022/23 season, prior to the introduction of the new tackle height law, and the subsequent 2023/24 season, when the law took effect. The findings revealed a 21% reduction in upright tackles and a 34% increase in players adopting a waist-bent technique, which is recommended to minimize high-risk head and shoulder impacts.

The study, a collaborative effort with Scottish Rugby and World Rugby, utilized video analysis to assess the consequences of the lowered tackle height law aimed at enhancing player safety. The results indicated a 64% decrease in tacklers making initial contact with the ball carrier's head and neck, which are primary contributors to sports-related concussions. Furthermore, head-to-head and head-to-shoulder contacts experienced a reduction of 17% and 35%, respectively.

This research is pioneering in its evaluation of the tackle height adjustment in women's community rugby, demonstrating a positive shift in player behavior. The implications of these findings could inform future initiatives aimed at injury prevention within women's rugby not only in Scotland but also globally.

World Rugby's recommendation to lower the tackle height from shoulder level to below the sternum was part of a broader strategy to mitigate risks associated with head-on-head contacts and concussions. This initiative has been embraced by various nations, including Australia, England, France, Ireland, Italy, Japan, New Zealand, South Africa, and Wales, alongside Scotland for the 2023/2024 season.

Researchers at Moray House School of Education and Sport evaluated video footage and injury reports from 34 matches across various levels of Scottish women's rugby, from the Premiership to regional leagues. This analysis included recording tackle types, player positions, contact points, and instances of head contact.

The study also documented a 19% reduction in contacts above the sternum, known as the 'red zone', between the tackler and the ball-carrier. Notably, there was a 29% decrease in head-to-head proximity for tacklers, a 33% reduction in head-to-head proximity for ball-carriers, and a 48% decrease in head-to-shoulder contacts for ball-carriers. Importantly, there were no increases in instances of the tackler's head contacting the ball carrier's knee or hip, which could heighten concussion risks.

The study observed an increase in sanctions, such as penalties and yellow cards for high tackles, from three to eight in the 2023/2024 season. Although the total number of tackles decreased significantly, there was no substantial change in other player metrics.

While the study did not find significant differences in concussion rates or injuries between the two seasons, the overall number of reported injuries was low, which may have influenced these results.

The lead researcher emphasized the importance of continued data collection on tackles and injuries to better understand the law change's effects. The findings indicate that lowering the legal tackle height has positively influenced player conduct and reduced head contact risks.

The ongoing research will contribute valuable insights into the impact of changes in tackle height regulations in women's rugby, with further evaluations planned for youth community rugby in Scotland.

Scottish Rugby's Head of Regional Pathways and Game Development expressed anticipation for continued collaboration with the University of Edinburgh to further enhance player welfare and the evolution of the game.

This study is part of an international research project led by World Rugby, assessing tackle height reductions across 11 countries.