Following World Rugby guidance, the IRFU introduced, at the start of the 2023-2024 season, a lowering of the legal tackle height in the community game to below the line of the sternum.

The IRFU has been auditing outcomes for both concussion rates specifically and injuries in general and comparing them to five seasons’ rates pre-introduction of the new law

The results indicate that overall injury rates in community male, female and schools’ rugby fell significantly. Similarly, concussion rates in senior community rugby also fell. However, concussion rates did not fall in schools’ matches. The IRFU has stated that they ‘are committed to continuing to work with their schools to enhance education, tackle technique and player behaviours in our schools’ game’.