World Rugby recommends 'belly tackles' to increase safety in the game 

Rugby balls waiting to be used at the Aviva Stadium. Picture: INPHO/Dan Sheridan

World Rugby is encouraging its member unions to trial "belly tackles" in the community game in a bid to make the sport safer.

The global governing body's executive board has recommended, subject to World Rugby Council approval, that national unions consult over lowering the tackle height at non-elite level in a bid to reduce concussions caused by head-on-head contact between a tackler and the ball-carrier.