New tackle rule cut concussion rates in Irish game by up to 33 per cent, study shows

Concussion rates fell 33 per cent in the Irish men's rugby All-Ireland League during a two-season trial period of a new law lowering tackle height, the Irish Rugby Football Union said on Wednesday, describing the results as "a landmark reduction".

The IRFU joined a World Rugby trial of lowering tackle height below the base of the sternum in its community game in 2023, including the men's and women's AIL competition that is one rung below the four main professional provincial teams.

The study, which compared the last two seasons to five pre-trial seasons, showed concussion rates fell 18 per cent in the women's AIL. Overall injury rates fell 18 per cent in the men's league and 30 per cent in the women's competition.

Similar declines were reported for specific tackle-related injuries.

While injury rates also fell sharply in senior school rugby - the third competition studied - similar decreases in concussion rates were not observed. The IRFU said it would work with schools to enhance education, tackle technique and player behaviours.

Separate video analysis of the groups showed head impacts fell by 7 per cent, ball-in-play time increased by around four minutes, with offloads, rucks, and kicks in play all up, leading to improved game flow and continuity, the IRFU said.

The ruling body announced in August that it would keep the tackle rule in place for the 2025-26 season.

"These positive outcomes support our decision to maintain the tackle height at the base of the sternum going forward," IRFU Medical Director Professor Rod McLoughlin said in a statement, describing the buy-in from players and coaches as outstanding

The English and Scottish rugby unions have introduced similar rules to lower the tackle height at the community level.

More than 1 000 former amateur and professional rugby union and rugby league players have joined a long-running concussion lawsuit against the sports' governing bodies for allegedly failing to put in place reasonable measures to protect the players' health and safety.