The IRFU have announced that they will be opting into World Rugby's tackle height trial law, for the 2023/24 and 2024/25 seasons.
The new law 'will apply to all amateur IRFU and provincial competitions at age-grade and adult levels in clubs'.
This follows on from the RFU's decision to introduce the laws, which limits tackles to ones below the sternum.
The IRFU released a statement earlier today, detailing the new rule changes:
The IRFU Union Committee have formally voted to opt into World Rugby’s global trial to lower the tackle height in the community game to below the line of the sternum (June 1st 2023).
It follows an earlier vote by the IRFU Rugby Committee and an extensive community consultation process with Irish Rugby stakeholders.
The trial will apply to all amateur IRFU and provincial competitions at age-grade and adult levels in clubs and schools for the 2023/24 and 2024/25 seasons.
Although it will come as a drastic change for amateur players and referees in the country, any law that aims to increase the safety of the game must be met with open minds.
Given the numerous lawsuits that have been brought against rugby union's governing bodies over the past year - by ex-pros suffering from concussion related problems such as early onset dementia - it is an understandable step taken by World Rugby.
IRFU Introduce New Rugby Height Tackle Laws
The decision to opt into the global trial follows a comprehensive community consultation process.
— Irish Rugby (@IrishRugby) June 1, 2023
We need pre & post law change injury data to know if this has a significant impact on injury rates.
Luckily…
Pre trial data:
🏉 AIL data since 2016 (5 full seasons)
🏉 Senior Cup data since 2018 (3 full seasons)
Published reports available here: https://t.co/0xzPZSqnoy https://t.co/dCVNYrePNN— Lauren Guilfoyle (@LaurenGuilfoyle) June 1, 2023
I wouldn't think the IRFU enter into these trials lightly. I'm constantly amazed at the volume of data they gather though various research projects in partnership with universities etc nationwide.
I think this will improve the safety of our game which is a good thing. https://t.co/j8Vxt64jo4— Killian Byrne (@killianbyrne) June 1, 2023
READ HERE: Sonny Bill Williams Makes Interesting Argument Against Rugby's New Tackle Law
The World Rugby Union Law 9.13 officially states that, "dangerous tackling includes, but is not limited to, tackling or attempting to tackle an opponent above the line of the sternum* even if the tackle starts below the line of the sternum.”
IRFU Rugby Development Director Colin McEntee also spoke about the changes and the findings which influenced the IRFU's decision.
“Based on the findings of the community consultation process, there is a critical mass of stakeholders who are clearly open to change for the good of the game.
“I’d like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who engaged with us throughout – the constructive feedback we received on both sides of the argument has shaped how we’ll be implementing the trial and supporting everyone in making it a success for the future of our sport.”
“The trial itself won’t present any significant changes to how we coach the tackle – it’s only the matter of a few centimetres.
“But it is a significant element of a wider drive to improve tackle behaviours.
“From next week, players, coaches and match officials can look forward to a new suite of resources being rolled out across the summer.”
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