Lower tackle height to be trialled at Under-20 worlds

Munster's Alex Nankivell makes a tackle. Pic: ©INPHO/Dan Sheridan.

After a successful trial in community rugby, a lower "sternum tackle height" is to be introduced into the elite game for the first time at next year's World Under-20 championships in Georgia, World Rugby says.

The sport's governing body said that trials over the last two seasons in 11 countries showed a change in player behaviour, resulting in up to 10% reduction in upright tackles, with some unions reporting a reduction in concussion rates, albeit over a single season.