New Zealand is experimenting with a stricter rule
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The rules about tackles have always held a very important place in the beginnings of the rugby community, and this at the international level. At a time when the safety of the player is at the center of interests, the referees notice the tackles closely, but this does not prevent many differences in the application of the rules.
In order to further protect its players against concussions, New Zealand decided to institute a new rule in the various amateur tournaments. This rule prohibits suprasternal manipulation at the first interventions. This rule was tested last season, and it will be adopted for the 2023 season after it gave clear satisfaction. In any case, said Steve Lancaster, Director of Amateur Rugby for the New Zealand Rugby Union.
The main feedback we have received from these trials is that the game is more fun to play and safer when the tackle height is lowered below the sternum, i.e. at abdominal level.
News | Three in-game innovations will be piloted for the 2023 community rugby season, designed to improve player safety, game flow, and keep the ball more in play. Read the full story here: https://t.co/kuyhyYY3B2
– New Zealand Rugby (NZRugby) October 31, 2022
To summarize
New Zealand will be experimenting with a new tackle technique in amateur tournaments, banning tackles from above the sternum. The goal is to find solutions to reduce concussions.
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