Irish rugby clubs, schools and players are being urged to prepare for important changes to tackle laws, with the IRFU set to host a short online briefing before the new rules come into force.
The update focuses on hip drop and knee drop tackles under Law 9.13. With the changes taking effect on 1 November 2026, the webinar will give coaches, match officials and the wider rugby community a clear guide to recognising dangerous tackle techniques and teaching safer alternatives.
Irish rugby webinar to explain new tackle rules
The IRFU’s Match Officials and Coach Development departments will lead the online session on Thursday, 29 October. The 30-minute webinar is designed to provide practical guidance rather than simply outline the wording of the law.
Presenters will use match examples to show what constitutes a hip drop tackle and a knee drop tackle. They will also explain how players can adjust their technique to complete tackles safely and remain within the laws of the game.
- Date: Thursday, 29 October 2026
- Time: 1pm to 1.30pm
- Title: Dangerous Tackles Law Update Webinar
- Presenters: IRFU Match Officials and Coach Development departments
Registration is available through the official Microsoft Teams event page: register for the IRFU tackle law webinar.
Why the tackle law update matters
The tackle remains one of the most important areas of player welfare in rugby. As the sport continues to review contact trends, clearer guidance can help players understand what is expected and help coaches reinforce good habits at training and on match day.
The IRFU has stressed that the new approach applies across the game. Clubs, schools, players, coaches, referees and spectators all have a role in becoming familiar with the changes. For community rugby, early education will be especially important as teams prepare for fixtures under the revised interpretation.
What are hip drop and knee drop tackles?
The webinar will demonstrate the tackle types covered by the updated guidance. In broad terms, the session will focus on tackles where a defender’s movement or drop in body position can place additional force on a ball-carrier’s legs or lower body.
Rather than relying on brief descriptions, coaches and players will be shown practical examples and safer options. That visual explanation should help teams apply the law consistently during training, school rugby and club competitions.
Players can support safer tackling by concentrating on strong body position, controlled movement and completing tackles without dropping dangerously through the hips or knees. Coaches will be central to making those principles part of regular contact practice.
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IRFU commitment to player welfare
Colin McEntee, the IRFU’s Director of Rugby Development, said the organisation remains focused on maintaining high welfare standards and working with World Rugby and other unions as the game evolves.
He indicated that the law change is intended to improve safety while providing greater clarity about the tackles expected in rugby. That balance will be important at every level, from youth and school teams to senior club rugby.
The IRFU’s message is straightforward: understanding the law before it takes effect should reduce confusion and give teams time to adjust their coaching and playing habits.
What clubs and schools should do now
Before the 1 November implementation date, rugby organisations can take several practical steps:
- Encourage coaches and team managers to attend the webinar.
- Discuss the changes with players before contact sessions.
- Use the IRFU’s examples to review tackle technique at training.
- Make sure referees, parents and spectators understand the reason for the update.
- Build safe tackle practice into ongoing player development.
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What happens next for Irish rugby?
The online briefing takes place just days before the revised tackle law becomes active. Its immediate consequence will be a sharper focus on how hip drop and knee drop tackles are identified and managed across Irish rugby.
For coaches and players, the key next step is to attend the session, review the examples and put safer techniques into practice before the new law arrives. Clear preparation should help clubs and schools begin the next phase of Irish rugby with player welfare at the centre.
Article/Image Courtesy: Irish Rugby