Rugby Tackling Explained with San Diego Legion Rugby

Do You Tackle in Rugby?

Tackling is a fundamental part of rugby. The defense uses it to stop the player in possession of the ball from advancing.

How to Tackle in Rugby

A Rugby tackle must be made below the shoulders, and the tackler must attempt to wrap their arms around the player being tackled.

Positioning:
Approach the ball carrier from a stable position. Keep your feet shoulder-width apart for balance.
Lower your center of gravity as you near the player to prepare for impact and to remain stable.

Target Zone:
Aim to make contact between your shoulder and the ball carrier's midsection—typically around the thighs or hips. Tackling above the shoulders is illegal and dangerous.

Technique:
Keep your head up and your back straight as you tackle. Never lead with your head to avoid head and neck injuries.
Wrap your arms around the legs or waist of the ball carrier. Clasp your hands together if possible, to secure the tackle.

Impact:
Drive with your legs once you make contact, pushing forward and upward to unbalance and bring down the ball carrier. Use your body weight to complete the tackle, bringing the player to the ground.

Completion:
Once the player is brought down, aim to position yourself advantageously for the next play, either by contesting for the ball if it's released or getting back to your feet quickly to rejoin your team's defensive line.

Safety:
Always keep your safety and that of your opponent in mind. Avoid any techniques that could cause injury, such as high tackles (above the shoulders) or spear tackles (using the head to drive into a tackle).

Proper training and practice are essential to master the tackling technique in rugby, for effective play, and to reduce the risk of injury.

What Are Rugby Tackle Rules?

Rugby tackle rules ensure safety and fair play. Here are some of the regulations regarding tackling in rugby:

Legal Tackle Zone:
A tackle must be made below the shoulders. The tackler must not make contact with the neck or head of the ball carrier.

Wrap Technique:
The tackler must attempt to wrap their arms around the ball carrier. Simply colliding with or using a shoulder charge without attempting to grasp the opponent is not permitted.

Tackle Release:
Once the ball carrier is brought to the ground, the tackler must immediately release them and the ball. The tackler must also move away from the tackled player and the ball or get up in a manner that allows them to play the ball legally again.

High Tackles:
High tackles, which involve contact above the shoulders, are strictly prohibited. Depending on the severity and intent, high tackles can result in penalties, sin bins, or even red cards.

Dangerous Tackles:
Dangerous tackles like spear tackles (lifting and driving a player head-first into the ground), are illegal and can result in severe penalties. A tackler must not make contact with a player who is in the air.

Double Tackling:
More than one player can tackle the ball carrier simultaneously, but all tacklers must adhere to the rules above.

No Tackling Without the Ball:
Players who do not have possession of the ball cannot be tackled. Tackling a player without the ball is considered foul play and is penalized.

How Are Rugby Tackles Different From Football?

Unlike in American football, rugby tackles can involve a wider range of contact. Tackling in rugby requires proper technique to be effective and safe for both the tackler and the player being tackled.

What Happens After a Tackle in Rugby?

After a tackle in rugby, the tackler must immediately release the ball carrier and clear the area to avoid obstructing play, while the tackled player must quickly release the ball for continued play. If a ruck forms with the ball on the ground and players from both teams over it, participants must enter from behind their last teammate's hindmost foot using only their feet to drive the ball. This creates an offside line that all players must stay behind to engage legally. Play then continues either through the ruck if contested, or directly from the tackled player's team if they retain possession, with a player typically retrieving the ball to start the next phase. This sequence ensures the game maintains a continuous flow, with teams vying for possession and territory right after a tackle.

What Is a Hip Drop Tackle in Rugby?

A hip drop tackle in rugby is a technique used by defenders to bring down the ball carrier, targeting the player’s lower body. During a hip drop tackle, the defender approaches the ball carrier and aims to position themselves slightly to one side. The defender uses their hip to make contact with the ball carrier’s thighs or hips, leveraging their body weight to unbalance and lower the opponent to the ground. This maneuver requires precise timing and body positioning to be effective and to minimize the risk of injury to both players. The hip drop tackle stops powerful runners by focusing on destabilizing their center of gravity, making it a strategic move in defensive play.

Can You Jump a Tackle in Rugby?

A rugby player can jump to avoid a tackle, but it comes with certain risks and conditions. Jumping to evade a tackle is not against the rules, but if a player jumps and a tackler is already committed to the tackle, it can potentially increase the risk of injury to both players.

If a player jumps and is tackled in the air, this could be considered dangerous play, especially if the tackled player lands in an unsafe manner. This type of incident may lead referees to penalize the tackler for dangerous play, depending on how the tackle unfolds. While players might attempt to jump over a low tackle or sidestep to evade, they need to be cautious not to elevate unnecessarily or dangerously, because it might lead to penalties or injuries.

Can You Tackle from Behind in Rugby?

Tackling a player from behind in rugby is allowed, but it must be performed correctly and safely according to the game's rules. Regardless of the direction, all tackles must target the area below the shoulders and above the knees to be considered legal. The tackler is required to wrap their arms around the ball carrier, as shoulder charges or any form of 'no arms' tackles are illegal and subject to penalties. When executing a tackle from behind, it's important it's done with care to prevent injuries. Specifically, techniques that might cause the player to fall dangerously, such as pulling the player down without wrapping or targeting the legs in a way that could trip them (often referred to as a 'spear tackle'), are considered dangerous play and are strictly prohibited.

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