World Rugby has introduced three Law changes to the game, effective from 1st July and will
be implemented immediately ahead of the start of the 2024/25 season, across both the
domestic and professional games.
Please ensure that these law changes to the game are passed on to your coaches and players
and to note, Irish Rugby will host a webinar in mid-September to deliver some of the early
insights from Year 1 of the Tackle Law Amendment trial and as part of this webinar, there will be the ability to ask questions regarding all current laws in the domestic game, including these three new law changes.
As the new season approaches, it is important that all Players, Coaches and Club members
are aware of the three new Law changes that have come into effect for rugby at all levels in
Ireland. The Law changes are designed to make the game both safer and more enjoyable for
participants and spectators.

The changes are detailed below, and Irish Rugby has created a micro learning module to
help further people’s understanding of the new adaptations. As part of this module, you will
have access to video examples of all the Law changes and knowledge checks to clarify
understanding.
1. No Croc Rolls
Rationale: to reduce dangerous clear-outs which could injure lower limbs.
Definition of Croc Roll:
A prohibited action where a player laterally rolls/twists or pulls a player, who is on their feet
in the tackle area, to ground. The action often lands on the player’s lower limbs.

2. No scrum option from a free kick
Rationale: To reduce the amount of scrums/reset scrums.

3. Offside in front of kicker
Rationale: To allow more space for counterattack.
Players must actively retreat away from the receiver after their team kicks possession to the
opposition.

Micro learning Module – New Law changes

Further information can also be found on World Rugby’s website.

All stakeholders in Irish Rugby are reminded that we move into Year Two of the Tackle
Height Adaptation trial where the legal tackle height is below the base line of the sternum.
Further details, along with micro learning modules are available here.

Best wishes to all Clubs and Schools for the 2024/25 season.