What is the legal tackle height, and how are high tackles sanctioned?

SA Rugby's lowered tackle-height laws were approved by its general council in late 2023 and have applied to all school and club rugby since the start of 2024. They do not apply to senior professional rugby.

In open play

• The maximum legal tackle height is below the base of the sternum. The tackler must bend at the knees and hips.
• A tackle below the knees is legal only with a clear wrap of the arms around the legs; an attempted wrap is not acceptable.
• Double tackles and second tacklers must also tackle at or below the base of the sternum. Tackle-assist players may try to rip the ball, provided they make no dangerous contact with the ball carrier's head or neck.

Sanctions

Mitigation is still considered where the tackler was not solely at fault.