The two dangerous tackles World Rugby is clamping down on

World Rugby has confirmed it will not tolerate “hip drop” or “knee drop” tackles in professional rugby, following discussions at this year’s Shape of the Game meetings with national unions. The clarification comes after a working group that included South Africa assistant coach Felix Jones examined these techniques and briefed coaches, players, supporters and match officials. A “knee drop” involves a defender lowering a knee to the ground before contact; it has long been illegal because the tackler goes off their feet. Zebre scrum-half Thomas Dominguez previously received a 20-minute red card and a three-game ban for one such tackle involving Leinster’s James Culhane. The guidance also notes a grey area when knee-to-ground contact is simultaneous and not dangerous.