Tackling change: Players try the new tackle height law trial in community Welsh rugby

OBJECTIVES: World Rugby introduced the 2023 tackle height law change (THLC) to reduce concussion risk by lowering the legal tackle height. This study explored factors influencing players' self-efficacy, attitudes, and behaviours towards the THLC. DESIGN: Cross-sectional survey. METHODS: An online questionnaire was completed by 750 Welsh Rugby Union players during the 2023/24 season (76 women, 10%; mean age = 28.7 ± 7.7 years; experience = 8.5 ± 6.8 years; 674 men, 90%; mean age = 30.6 ± 8.2 years; experience = 18.6 ± 8.8 years). Measures included demographics, concussion history, education, knowledge, attitudes, and behaviours related to the THLC. Analyses included multinomial logistic regression for perceptions and outcome expectations, t-tests and Mann-Whitney U tests for sex comparisons, and Chi-square tests for associations. RESULTS: Female players were significantly more receptive than male players to the THLC, agreeing it would reduce injury (OR = 3.97, p < 0.001, 95% CI [2.19-7.21]) and concussion risk (OR = 4.15, p < 0.001, 95% CI [2.10-8.21]), and that adaptation would be easy (OR = 2.95, p < 0.001, 95% CI [1.64-5.31]). Women also reported higher self-efficacy for compliance (OR = 3.01, p < 0.001, 95% CI [1.63-5.54]) and perceived positive impact on the sport (OR = 3.43, p < 0.001, 95% CI [1.88-6.26]). Accurate concussion knowledge (OR = 2.01, p = 0.002, 95% CI [1.29-3.13]) increased support, whilst misconceptions (OR = 0.13, p = 0.050, 95% CI [0.02-1.00]) reduced it. CONCLUSIONS: Sex differences in THLC attitudes highlight need for tailored rugby safety strategies and concussion education.