World Rugby have issued a Law Clarification covering jumping over a tackler or into a tackle. While many referees will have looked at law 9.11 and ruled it illegal – indeed we covered it here back in 2017 – it was always open to interpretation. However, following this incident in Super Rugby Pacific, New Zealand Rugby asked for formal clarification.
The Designated Members of the World Rugby rugby committee have ruled that this is indeed dangerous play and should be a Penalty Kick.
Jumping to hurdle a potential tackler is dangerous play, as is the act of a ball carrier jumping into a tackle. Even if no contact is made, we believe this act is in clear contravention of law 9.11, and runs contrary to the game-wide focus on player welfare.
World Rugby Clarification 2022-03
The ruling also makes clear that a ball carrier jumping into a tackle is also to be ruled as dangerous play.
Along similar lines, New Zealand also asked about the legalities of the Jonny May try in the England v Italy game in 6 Nations 2021. This is clearly a trickier question and splits any audience. It was either a perfectly good dive for the corner where a try was scored, or a jump to evade the tackle and then a try. Given the divergent actions involved and views, World Rugby haven’t been offered a ruling either way, but left officials with guidance as to how to rule in the future.
A ball carrier may dive with the ball in order to score a try, and we all agree that should be allowed. From an equity perspective, if they do so, a defender may attempt to make a safe and legal tackle on that player. As we have said above, jumping to avoid a tackle should be regarded as dangerous play and should be sanctioned accordingly, even if no contact is made.
Player welfare should remain the priority deciding factor for match officials in these very rare situations. In such instances as this rare example, which involves great player skill and dexterity, match officials have to make a judgement call as to which actions have taken place. If there is any element of dangerous play, in line with the above ruling, then a try cannot be the reward.
In principle, in a try scoring situation, if the action is deemed to be a dive forward for a try, then it should be permitted. If a player is deemed to have left the ground to avoid a tackle; or to jump, or hurdle a potential tackler, then this is dangerous play and should be sanctioned accordingly.
https://www.world.rugby/the-game/laws/clarification/2022/3/
Interesting to note is that a player diving for a try (ie off the ground) isn’t a protected species, and can be tackled in this specific instance. The danger/safety element isn’t comparable with jumping to collect a high kick, for example.
While some may have wanted a black and white answer, we can understand the reluctance to do so, and to leave the judgement to the on-field officials. Clearly the best way for a player to be awarded a try, is to make sure they don’t jump over a tackler in doing so!
The full clarification can be found at: https://www.world.rugby/the-game/laws/clarification/2022/3/.
The jump to avoid a tackle has been an issue for years. I can immediately penalising a handful of players over the year.
May leapt with the referee, two ARs & a TMO who are all highly experienced referees.
Any jump or leap needs an immediate response from any referee. Penalty & perhaps even a yellow card.
It’s a tough one! Can sense the pain at WR HQ!