World Rugby has announced redefined laws related to both reckless and accidental tackles on the head area of a player.
After the conclusion of their eighth Medical Commission Conference in London, World Rugby has employed evidence-based strategies keeping players' welfare in mind.
According to the new rule which comes into effect from 3rd January, a player making contact with an opponent's head in reckless tackle with receive a minimum sanction of yellow card and a maximum sanction of red card. A tackle that is done even below the shoulders will attract punishment. This type of contact also applies to grabbing and rolling or twisting around the head/neck area even if the contact starts below the line of the shoulders
In the case of an accidental tackle on opponent's head, a penalty will be awarded.
World Rugby Chairman Bill Beaumont said even though the head injuries have gone down considerably in the last few years, the board is aiming to be proactive in ensuring players' welfare is being safeguarded.
"World Rugby continues to be proactive in aligning with the latest evidence-based recommendations in this priority player welfare area to ensure players and coaches at all levels of the game are appropriately educated, managed and protected when it comes to head impacts and injury within the environment of a contact sport.
"We believe that we are playing a leading role in terms of the development and implementation of best-practice interventions and this important study further reflects our commitment to an evidence-based approach to player welfare.
"We believe that the invaluable data from this study will inform the law review process and lead to changes in playing or training practices."