Months after drastically reducing the tackle height, The Rugby Football Union, Rugby Australia has followed and is banning tackles above the sternum across all levels. From the Shute Shield to Hospital Cup and all levels of rugby outside of the professional arm, players will have to tackle below the sternum from 2024 because of a two-year trial. The decision comes after six-years of research carried out by World Rugby, which reported a decrease in concussions and an increase in offloads. This action aims to make the game safer and encourage young boys and girls to participate. South Africa saw a 30 percent decrease in concussions. However, there is a possibility of increased penalty counts to start before returning to pre-reform numbers. This measure was taken after the Rugby Football Union experienced push back from its stakeholders. The implementation of this strict requirement was based on safety findings by the World Rugby. Rugby Australia’s CEO and former Wallabies captain, Phil Waugh, emphasized the commitment to evidence-based research decisions. World Rugby found that the safest part to make a tackle is between the hips and sternum. Although the measure aims to eliminate risks and create a safer game, it may cause apprehension in match officials and an adjustment period for players. However, the law will not change at the professional level immediately. Rugby Australia is awaiting the results from community trials over the next two years before making a decision for the professional game. Tournament officials are also cautious about the impact of the new laws, acknowledging the difference in support between professional and community-level games.