Hip-drop tackle ban in force: Ellis Genge calls rugby law timing 'berserk'

World Rugby's ban on the hip-drop tackle came into force on Sunday, 1 November 2026, just before the autumn international matches. Under the change, the tackle is now named in Law 9.13, the law on dangerous tackling, and a player found guilty of it faces at least a penalty. England prop and vice-captain Ellis Genge criticised the timing, calling it "berserk" because teams had little time to adjust their defence before the Tests, according to reports on Monday, 2 November. Genge did not dispute the purpose of the ban.

A hip-drop tackle is one in which the tackler drops his body weight onto the ball carrier's legs rather than bringing him down with the arms, and World Rugby says it can cause significant leg injuries. Attention on the tackle grew after Penrith halfback Nathan Cleary suffered a compound fracture in a hip-drop tackle in a rugby league preliminary final, and reports say South Africa's coach had asked World Rugby to act. The body has now written the offence into its global law book for rugby union.

Player safety is the stated reason for the change: fewer techniques that put the ball carrier in danger. For referees, though, it brings a new judgement to make at full speed, and players fear inconsistent decisions in big matches.

Genge's complaint is about timing. The new law took effect on the eve of the autumn Tests, so teams had to change how they defend in the middle of their preparation. England have already struggled with discipline this year, and head coach Steve Borthwick has warned his players about conceding cards. Any new offence that can lead to a penalty adds pressure on a side with that record.

For Indian readers, the change matters wherever rugby union is played under World Rugby's laws, and coaches at school and club level will need to teach safe tackling technique that avoids the hip drop.

Peepals calculation: England's record of five defeats in seven Tests means they have won about 29% of their recent matches (2 ÷ 7 ≈ 0.29). With 14 yellow cards and one red card in 2026, they have received 15 cards in total this year. Our calculation from the reported figures.

Short-term: Referees in the autumn Tests will penalise hip-drop tackles, and teams will adjust defensive drills quickly to avoid conceding penalties and cards.

Long-term: The ban should reduce one cause of serious leg injuries, and over time coaches at every level will teach tackling methods that avoid it.

Who is affected: Professional players and referees in international and club rugby; coaches at school and club level, including in India; and teams such as England that are trying to cut down on penalties and cards.

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