Rugby Australia won't ban above-waist tackles as Wallabies star Drew Mitchell brands move 'dramatic'

Rugby Australia (RA) will not be following their English counterparts by banning tackling above the waist - a move Wallabies legend Drew Mitchell labelled 'a little bit dramatic'.

The Rugby Football Union (RFU), which governs rugby union in England, recently announced the most drastic change to the game in recent memory.

From July 1, amateur players of all ages must tackle an opposition player at the waist or below in an attempt to reduce the number of serious head injuries.

Tackles to the chest will be made illegal at the levels of National One and below in the men's game and Championship One and below in women's rugby - but Australia won't be following suit.

'We are naturally the beneficiary of a huge amount of research undertaken by World Rugby and we work with them and other national unions on maximising player welfare at all levels,' an RA spokesperson told the Sydney Morning Herald.

'Our key focus for 2023 remains on correct tackle technique which is critical to player safety and we will continue to drive this priority with all coaches in 2023.