Lowering Tackle Height Reduces Concussion Risk in Women's Rugby

Strategic Insights -

A recent study by researchers at the University of Edinburgh has shown that reducing the maximum tackle height from the shoulder to below the base of the sternum in women's rugby can significantly lower the risk of concussion. The Scottish Rugby Union and World Rugby provided financial support for the research, which was conducted over two seasons, from 2022/2023 to 2023/2024.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study found that the lowered maximum tackle height (LTH) resulted in a 30% decrease in head-to-head proximity for the tackler and a 32% decrease in head-to-shoulder contact for the tackler and ball-carrier.
  • Red-zone contacts (above the base of the sternum) decreased by 19% after the introduction of the LTH.
  • Although not statistically significant, tackler concussion rates dropped from 2.83 to 0.52/1000 player match hours, while ball-carrier concussion rates increased from 1.89 to 4.70/1000 player match hours.
  • The study suggests that the LTH may help reduce the risk of concussion by reducing red-zone contacts and head-to-head proximity.
  • The researchers highlights the need for further research on the effect of injury prevention initiatives in women's rugby due to the limitations surrounding the small sample of injuries.

Statistics:

  • 30% decrease in head-to-head proximity for the tackler after introducing the LTH.
  • 32% decrease in head-to-shoulder contact for the tackler and ball-carrier after introducing the LTH.
  • 19% decrease in red-zone contacts (above the base of the sternum) after introducing the LTH.
  • 2.83 to 0.52/1000 player match hours: concussion rates for tacklers after introducing the LTH.
  • 0.004 to 1.52: relative risk of concussion for tacklers after introducing the LTH.
  • 1.89 to 4.70/1000 player match hours: concussion rates for ball-carriers after introducing the LTH.
  • 0.69 to 11.06: relative risk of concussion for ball-carriers after introducing the LTH.

Sources:

  • NewsRx. Research on Sport and Exercise Medicine Described by Researchers at University of Edinburgh (Lowering the maximum legal tackle height in Scottish community women's rugby: an injury surveillance and video analysis study across two seasons). Health & Medicine Week. May 30, 2025; p 4359.
  • Lowering the maximum legal tackle height in Scottish community women's rugby: an injury surveillance and video analysis study across two seasons. BMJ Open Sport & Exercise Medicine, 2025,11(2). (BMJ Open Sport & Exercise Medicine - http://bmjopensem.bmj.com)