A rugby tackle in a Brisbane, Australia, league match has garnered over 25 million views across social media platforms after the recipient of the hit immediately rose and continued play. The incident, which occurred between Eagleby Giants and Slacks Creek in a RLB Open Men’s Division Two South league game, initially surfaced in summer 2024 and has recently experienced a surge in viewership following a post on Instagram earlier this year.
The video depicts a Slacks Creek player being tackled forcefully, with his head snapping back upon impact before falling to the ground. Despite the severity of the hit, the player, identified as Luke Rickert, quickly regained his composure and continued the game, placing the ball between his legs for the next phase of play. The opposing player who executed the tackle reportedly expressed sympathy to Rickert as the referee paused the match to assess his well-being.
Social media users commenting on the video have largely praised Rickert’s resilience. One commenter stated, “I am more impressed by the guy taking the hit! Got up and got on with it – no fuss.” Others echoed this sentiment, highlighting the player’s quick recovery. “People talking about the amazing hit he made.. But what about the guy who took it.. Stood up five seconds later, up on his feet,” one user wrote. Another added, “I am more impressed that the other guy got up.”
Courtney Lawes, a prominent tackler in the Guinness Men’s Six Nations, was recently featured in a video highlighting impactful hits in rugby, further emphasizing the physicality inherent in the sport. A video posted on the Six Nations Facebook page on February 27, 2026, showcased Lawes’ tackling prowess, accumulating 164 reactions and 32 shares.
The intensity of tackles in rugby is a recurring theme in online discussions, with videos showcasing “brutal tackles & hard hits” frequently circulating on platforms like YouTube. A highlight reel focusing on defensive plays and tackles has been available online since 2026, demonstrating the enduring appeal of the sport’s physical aspects.
