World Rugby has instituted a global ban on hip-drop and knee-drop tackles amid growing concerns over player safety, particularly following several high-profile injuries in recent months.
The decision, formalized through an amendment to World Rugby Law 9.13, categorizes these tackles as dangerous play. Referees will now issue immediate penalties when such tackles occur, and severe cases will be reviewed by a judiciary process that could result in suspensions ranging from one week to three months.
The move comes shortly after a serious injury to Nathan Cleary, a leading National Rugby League (NRL) player, who suffered a compound fracture after a hip-drop tackle during an elimination final. Cleary was tackled by Phoenix Crossland, who was subsequently suspended for four games and missed the NRL grand final. This incident highlighted the risks posed by these tackle techniques and accelerated calls for regulatory action.
Concerns over the hip-drop tackle have been raised within rugby circles for over a year. In March 2026, Rugby Australia flagged the issue after Waratahs winger Max Jorgensen sustained a syndesmosis injury from a hip-drop tackle by a Hurricanes player during Super Rugby. More recently, in July, Australian junior player Trevyn Pritchard broke his ankle following a similar tackle by a Wales defender at the Junior World Championship.
The banning of the knee-drop tackle took effect immediately, while the hip-drop tackle ban is set to be implemented from November 1, covering the remaining fixture dates of the Nations Championship. This phased approach aims to give players, coaches, and officials time to adjust to the new rules.
World Rugby chairman Brett Robinson, a former Wallaby, emphasized the organization’s commitment to player welfare as the primary driver behind the rule change. Robinson acknowledged the contributions of rugby unions and the World Rugby working group in thoroughly researching and analysing the issue before acting. He noted that although hip-drop tackles are relatively rare, they can cause significant leg injuries, and knee-drop tackles have been increasing in frequency.
Rugby Australia officials welcomed the ruling. Pat Williams, head of rehabilitation and resilience, participated in the World Rugby working group that helped shape the ban. Peter Horne, Rugby Australia’s director of high performance, described the ban as an appropriate response to the unacceptable risks posed by the tackles, expressing confidence that the decision would receive strong support from teams and players domestically and internationally.
In related news from the NFL, a similar hip-drop tackle resulted in Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Tyquan Thornton suffering a dislocated ankle. The Las Vegas Raiders’ defensive back Treydan Stukes, who made the tackle, faces potential disciplinary action. Thornton’s injury is expected to sideline him through the playoffs starting in January, underscoring the dangers of such tackles across contact sports.
Under the new rules, a hip-drop tackle is defined as a player using their body weight to bring down an opponent from behind. A knee-drop tackle occurs when a defender drops to one or both knees before making contact. Both are now officially classified as foul play, reinforcing a growing global focus on reducing injury risks in contact sports.