The tackle
World Rugby · 2026Release, entry and possession when the ball-carrier is held and brought down.
Release and get up
A tackle occurs when an opponent holds the ball-carrier and brings them to ground; a knee on the ground is sufficient. Tacklers must immediately release the player and ball, move away or get up, and be on their feet before playing the ball. The tackled player must immediately make the ball available, then move away or get up. Passing or pushing it forward is forbidden, although placing it in any direction is allowed.
Arriving players and offside
Other players must remain on their feet and approach from their own try-line direction. They must not roll, pull or twist a participant to ground. A standing player over the grounded ball creates offside lines through each side’s hindmost point. These duties are enforced by penalties. The tackle ends when a ruck forms, the ball leaves, a standing player takes it away, or it becomes unplayable.
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