World Rugby clarifies law on dangerous tackles

World Rugby's Executive Board has approved new regulations targeting two dangerous tackle techniques: the 'hip drop' and 'knee drop'. The 'knee drop' tackle will be addressed via a law application guideline effective October 5th, while the 'hip drop' tackle will be explicitly added to foul play law from November 1st, with sanctions including at least a penalty kick. These changes stem from February's Shape of the Game meeting, where an expert working group was commissioned to investigate these techniques as part of World Rugby's ongoing player welfare initiatives.