Jumping into a Tackle

1 March 2022: World Rugby have today clarified the position in relation to a ball carrier who jumps into or over an attempted tackle. WR’s view is that this constitutes dangerous play which should result in a penalty against the ball carrier.

WR make it clear however that (i) a ball carrier can dive for the line over or through a tackle in an attempt to score a try and (ii) a defender can legally tackle the diving ball carrier even though the ball carrier is in the air.

This ruling applies at all levels of adult and youth rugby.

The full text of the WR ruling is on https://www.world.rugby/the-game/laws/clarification/2022/3/