RFL modify controversial new tackle rule

In late 2023 the RFL launched a series of new rules that came under heavy criticism from many rugby league fans, but following a trial, they’ve since made three amendments.

Much of the new laws focused on the tackle height and what constituted a legal or illegal tackle, something that caused uproar among fans with plenty claiming that they no longer recognised the sport they once loved.

The backlash towards the RFL was so strong that a petition was even launched to try and prevent the rule change from happening.

In the RFL document titled ‘Changes to Laws, Operational Rules and Medical Standards, and Coaching Interventions, following recommendations of Brain Health Sub-Committee to RFL Board’, there were 33 on-field recommendations with plenty referring to tackle height.

Whilst plenty wouldn’t come into force immediately such as amendment 10 ‘reducing tackle height to armpit and below’ for the professional senior game (slated for 2025), some were immediate changes to be made for 2024.

That same tackle height law will be enforced at the community level, both senior and age grade, however, there has been a change made.

RFL make law change U-turn

The latest change comes following trials within the community game with the RFL Board agreeing to modify aspects of Juniors Rugby League.

Previously touch or tag rugby would be mandated upon Under-9s teams and below, however, this has now changed with touch or tag just limited to Under-6s for the 2024 season.

As such children of that she will be forced to play within their age group, not playing up a grade, before transitioning to contact as Under-9’s in 2027.

This means that Under-7s will continue playing under Rugby League’s Safe Play Code therefore they will continue to play contact rugby, within the laws of that code.

RFL explain law change

In a statement released confirming the minor adaptations there was also a statement from Marc Lovering, the RFL’s Director of Development.

He said: “A key principle when the original recommendation was considered was that young players should not be ‘taken back’ from a familiarisation with tackling under the Safe Play Code to playing mandated Touch or Tag.

“Following substantial feedback on the impact the recommendation as originally approved would have on a significant number of players and squads it was considered appropriate to modify the timeline and introduce mandated Touch or Tag from the U6 age group only in 2024.

“These changes are so significant for the sport of Rugby League that we want to do all we can to make them understandable and acceptable to players, officials and, crucially, parents.

“The feedback from the community game on the need for change has been positive. However, given the potential numbers of young players who would be unable to play alongside the same team-mates and potentially threaten some teams’ ability to continue, the RFL agreed to review this particular recommendation.

“Subsequently, we therefore recommended a modification to allow this year’s Under-7s cohort to continue playing limited contact Rugby League under the Safe Play Code, with mandated Touch and Tag introduced for Under-6s only – who must play within their own age group not in the Under-7s.”