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Referee boss takes aim at World Rugby

France’s head of referees Mathieu Raynal has hit out at World Rugby over the timing of its new tackle laws.

Published: Friday, 9 October 2026 at 3:32 PM
Referee boss takes aim at World Rugby
Key Things to Know
  • France referee boss Mathieu Raynal criticized World Rugby for the timing of its new tackle law introductions.
  • World Rugby banned hip-drop tackles starting November 1 and banned knee-drop tackles with immediate effect.
  • Raynal stated nations had previously agreed that new laws would only take effect during the July international window.
The Story in 60 Seconds

France head of referees Mathieu Raynal has criticized World Rugby over the timing of newly introduced tackle laws. World Rugby banned hip-drop tackles starting November 1 and immediately prohibited knee-drop tackles. Raynal stated that this mid-season schedule contradicts a prior agreement among nations to introduce law changes exclusively during the July international window.

Raynal voiced concern regarding how match officials should penalize hip-drop tackles before the November 1 implementation date without clear sanction guidelines. He also noted that French referees have already penalized knee-drop tackles for over two and a half years under existing laws.

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