Last updated: 3 October 2026
Reviewed by Jordan Morley, FA Level 2 Football Coach
In rugby league, a team has six tackles in which to advance the ball. On the sixth tackle, teams almost always kick (usually a kick to touch or a grubber) to concede possession as deep in the opposition's half as possible. The six-tackle rule creates the sport's distinctive rhythm of controlled sets of six with a kick to end. If a team drops the ball or is penalised, possession transfers immediately.
- Six attempts to advance
- Kick on the sixth tackle
- Creates structured, fast-paced sets
- Turnover on drop or penalty
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Rugby league's six-tackle rule — giving the attacking team six tackles to advance the ball before possession transfers — creates a clear, countdown-style tactical structure to each attacking set, which is why teams often use the first four or five tackles to probe and advance field position before making a decisive attacking play or kicking strategically on the final tackle.
FAQ
How many tackles does a team get in rugby league before losing possession?
Six tackles per attacking set; if the attacking team hasn't scored by the sixth tackle, possession transfers to the opposition (typically via a kick to avoid simply handing over the ball in a dangerous position).
Why do teams often kick on the last tackle?
Rather than risk losing the ball in a dangerous attacking position after the sixth tackle, teams typically kick strategically to either regain possession, pin the opposition deep in their own territory, or attempt a direct scoring kick.