Keep Tackle Skills in Youth Rugby and Amend SA Rugby’s Age Rule

Player safety is essential, and we support SA Rugby’s commitment to protecting young athletes. However, the current policy removes tackling entirely from children aged 7 and 8 who may already have been learning safe tackle techniques for several years. This creates a two-year gap in skill development before tackling is reintroduced at age 9, when differences in size, strength, and confidence are much greater.

Many coaches believe that learning correct tackle technique at a younger age, under controlled and well-supervised conditions, helps reduce injury risk later on. Younger children are generally more similar in size, move at slower speeds, and are more receptive to technical coaching.
International research shows that serious and catastrophic rugby injuries are rare in children under 9, and injury rates increase more significantly in older age groups. There is currently limited evidence that banning tackling entirely at younger ages leads to better long-term safety outcomes.
In New Zealand, where similar youth rugby changes have been introduced, participation data has shown a decline in boys’ participation, raising concerns about unintended consequences for engagement and player retention.
(Source: Stuff.co.nz – Girls surge, boys decline: NZ Rugby reveals mixed picture on playing numbers)

We believe a phased introduction of contact, or allowing children who have already been coached in tackling to continue progressing, would be safer, fairer, and more aligned with long-term player development.