NZ Rugby has extended its controversial tackle-height restrictions in community rugby for another two years until the end of 2025.
Club and school rugby operated under the rules this year, required to target below a ball-carrier's sternum or below in a bid to cut back on head injuries at grass roots level.
While players initially struggled to adapt to the mandate, the national body has produced stats that suggest that adjustment was ultimately made, with encouraging results.
Match analysis shows 90 percent of first tackles in First XV school rugby hit below the target height, with 78 percent in senior men's rugby and 72 percent in the women's game.
Survey results indicate 72 percent thought the lower tackle height was safe for the ball carrier, while 61 percent considered it safer for the tackler.
"Our participants have told us they want the tackle area of the game to be safer and that's been our focus," said NZ Rugby community general manager Steve Lancaster. "The resounding feedback we've heard from our players, coaches and referees is that they understood the reason for change, and that's been critical to its success.
"We appreciate it's an adjustment to make, and our community participants can be proud of the way they have adapted and played the game this season. There's still room for improvement, but we're seeing the majority of first tackles below the sternum, more offloads and faster games."
Stats show offloads in men's rugby have increased up to 65 percent.
NZ Rugby will expand its Tackle Clinic programme to meet the growing needs of women's rugby, which saw a 20 percent growth during 2023.
"An increasing focus since 2020 has been on getting more women and girls involved in club rugby, where they’ll play for a full season, as opposed to one-off festivals and tournaments," said Lancaster.
"That means more games and, most importantly, a more meaningful rugby experience, enjoying all that’s great about community rugby."
Restrictions on halfbacks defending scrums and a 1.5-metre maximum scrum push in senior non-premier games have also been extended two more years.
