10/11/2026
🏉 Big hits belong in rugby. Dangerous tackles don’t.
World Rugby has approved an explicit ban on hip-drop tackles, effective November 1, 2026—targeting a technique that can cause serious leg injuries.
A hip-drop involves a defender grabbing a ball carrier from the side or behind, then swinging or dropping their hips and body weight onto the runner’s legs as they bring them down.
Here’s the breakdown:
🔴 Hip-drop:Explicitly added to dangerous tackling under Law 9.13 from November 1, 2026.
🔴 Knee-drop:Already prohibited under existing laws when a defender drops to one or both knees before making the tackle. New guidance took effect on October 5, 2026.
💬 Long overdue for player safety—or another rule that’s tough to referee at full speed? Players and fans, have your say below. 👇
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