World Rugby accused of breaking agreement as controversy erupts over new laws
- World Rugby accused of breaking agreement as controversy erupts over new laws - October 11, 2026
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Controversial.
World Rugby has come under fire over its new tackling regulations, with former international referee Mathieu Raynal accusing the governing body of going against a previous agreement.
The Frenchman, who now oversees high-performance refereeing for the French Rugby Federation, has questioned the timing of the changes ahead of November’s Nations Championship.
World Rugby confirmed last week that hip-drop tackles would be explicitly outlawed from November 1, while new guidance surrounding knee-drop tackles took effect earlier this month.
However, Raynal claims an agreement had previously been reached that new laws would only be introduced during the July international window.
Speaking to Rugbyrama, he said:
“We are extremely surprised by the timetable imposed by World Rugby.
“We had agreed, with all the nations and World Rugby, that any new rule would only come into effect during the July international window. We will therefore naturally ask World Rugby for an explanation regarding this change of timetable.”
Raynal welcomed efforts to improve player safety but questioned why the hip-drop amendment would not take effect immediately if the technique was considered sufficiently dangerous.
His comments have taken on added significance following Saturday’s Bledisloe Cup clash between New Zealand and Australia at Eden Park.
All Blacks winger Leroy Carter suffered a potentially serious ankle injury while scoring a try during New Zealand’s 50-19 victory, following a tackle by Wallabies back-rower Rob Valetini.
All Blacks head coach Dave Rennie subsequently suggested the incident resembled a hip-drop tackle.
“It didn’t look good. Sort of like a hip-drop type tackle, landed on the back of his ankle.”
Asked whether the tackle should have been punished, Rennie added:
“I’ll leave that for the officials.”
“I’m sure it’s not intentional, but that’s the way the game’s going.”
Raynal’s criticism came before Saturday’s incident, but Carter’s injury has added another dimension to the debate surrounding World Rugby’s decision to delay the implementation of its new regulations.
The tackle occurred weeks before the new hip-drop amendment takes effect, although no disciplinary finding has established that Valetini committed an illegal tackle.
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