An NRL-funded study highlights the potential injury risks posed by different tackle techniques in rugby, offering insights on how to tackle safely.

Led by The University of Sydney in collaboration with The University of Newcastle, the research also demonstrates techniques to reduce the risk of head injuries.

Lead researcher, Associate Professor Suzi Edwards from The University of Sydney’s School of Health Sciences and Honorary Senior Lecturer at The University of Newcastle said: “Improving coaching strategies for rugby tackle technique could help reduce head injury risks for both tacklers and ball carriers.”

The study is published in Sports Medicine Australia’s Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport (JSAMS).

“While the lower torso tackle is easy to perform, the study indicates it poses higher injury risks for the tackler,” Associate Professor Edwards said.

“Our study has shown that we can coach a player to change tackling technique in a training session. The next phase of our research will determine whether it’s possible to change tackling techniques across the season and in the game,” Associate Professor Edwards said.

Research was carried out at The University of Newcastle biomechanics laboratory which has an array of fifteen 3D motion capture cameras, like those used to create advanced video games.

Fifteen rugby-code players performed 600 tackles from the Australian National Rugby League coaching manual. The footage from the cameras was then analysed by the team measuring 3D tackle motion and head impact of the tackler and ball carrier when executing a front-on one-on-one tackle.

Co-lead of the tackle re-education program Timana Tahu, a former NRL player and Senior Manager Indigenous Pathways at the National Rugby League, performed tackles for the research.

Associate Professor Suzi Edwards said the study was conducted in a controlled lab setting, so results may not fully apply to real-world match conditions, which will be investigated in the next phase of research.

The study suggested the following tackles recommendations to minimise injury:

• The tackler should place their head away from the ball-carrier’s body;
• Tacklers shouldn’t be fully upright, or fully bent over during a tackle; 
• The mid-torso (DTS – Dominant, Torso and Stick) tackle may be a safer alternative to the traditional Dominant NRL (lower torso tackle) for achieving a under the ball tackle while protecting the tackler;
• Inconsistency in executing over-the-ball tackles raises concerns about whether players are being properly trained in these techniques; 

Future research should explore how ball carriers can reduce their risk of head injury, especially when they do not use evasive techniques.

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About JSAMS

The Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport (JSAMS) is published by Sports Medicine Australia.

The journal provides high-quality, original research papers to keep Sports Medicine Australia members and subscribers informed of developments in the areas of sports exercise and medicine, sports injury, physical activity, and sports exercise and science.