Rugby term
Tackle
Definition
A tackle happens when the ball carrier is held by one or more opponents and brought to the ground.
What counts as a tackle
A tackle needs two things: the ball carrier is held by one or more opponents, and is brought to the ground (Law 14). Brought to the ground means the ball carrier is lying or sitting on the ground, has at least one knee on it, or is on another player who is on the ground. The tackler must keep holding the ball carrier until they are on the ground (Law 14).
A player who goes to ground without being held has not been tackled, and must immediately get up, play the ball or release it (Law 13). A ball carrier who is held but stays on their feet has not been tackled either. If a team-mate binds on, that becomes a maul (Law 16).
What the tackled player must do
After a tackle, the tackled player must immediately:
- make the ball available by releasing, passing or pushing it in any direction except forward, although they may place it in any direction
- move away from the ball or get up
- make sure they do not lie on, over or near the ball to stop opponents getting it
All of these are in Law 14, and breaking them is a penalty kick.
What the tackler must do
The tackler must release the ball carrier and the ball as soon as both are on the ground, then get up or move away. The tackler must let the tackled player release, play or move away from the ball, and must be back on their feet before playing it (Law 14).
Other players at the tackle
Players arriving at the tackle must stay on their feet and arrive from the direction of their own try line before playing the ball (Law 14). They must not fall on or over a player on the ground who has the ball or is near it (Law 13). Once players from both teams are on their feet, in contact and over the ball, a ruck has formed. Then nobody may handle the ball unless they already had their hands on it (Law 15).
Illegal tackles
A tackle must be below the relevant sanction line: the shoulders in elite rugby, and the waist or the base of the sternum in community rugby (Law 14). Tackling early, late or dangerously is foul play, and dangerous tackling includes any tackle that leads to head contact (Law 9). Lifting a player and dropping or driving them so their head or upper body hits the ground is also dangerous play (Law 9). These offences are penalised with a penalty kick and can bring a yellow or red card.
In community rugby the match organiser chooses between the waist and the base of the sternum, so check the rules for your competition.
Common questions
What is a tackle in rugby?
A tackle is when the ball carrier is held by one or more opponents and brought to the ground (Law 14).
What counts as being brought to the ground?
The ball carrier is lying or sitting on the ground, has at least one knee on the ground, or is on another player who is on the ground (Law 14).
What must the tackler do after a tackle?
Release the ball carrier and the ball straight away, then get up or move away. The tackler must be on their feet before playing the ball (Law 14).
What is a high tackle in rugby?
A tackle above the relevant sanction line: the shoulders in elite rugby, lower in community rugby. It is a penalty kick and can lead to a yellow or red card (Laws 9 and 14).
Updated