Dragons RFC head coach Filo Tiatia has called on World Rugby to bring forward its new tackle law after condemning a ‘dangerous’ knee-drop tackle, which left Tongan international Fetuli Paea limping off during his side’s defeat to the Ospreys.

World Rugby confirmed only a number of weeks ago that knee-drop tackles will be outlawed by November 1, but Tiatia believes they should not wait until then to act.

Paea was forced off injured in the Gwent side’s 31-14 defeat at the newly revamped St Helen’s, as Tiatia made his feelings clear following the full-time whistle.

“I saw the clip, it was a knee-drop tackle,” said the 55-year-old.

“I know that the law comes in a couple of weeks. But you can clearly see that it’s dangerous.

“In rugby league, the NRL are heavy on that, and I just think World Rugby needed to look at bringing it in a little bit earlier.

“But he’s (Paea) not good, so we’ll see how he goes from a medical point.”

The former New Zealand international's comments have renewed focus on World Rugby’s efforts to make the tackle area safer, with new regulations set to change how players are expected to bring opponents to the ground.

The knee-drop technique has attracted considerable discussion, particularly regarding the risks posed by a tackler dropping their body weight onto a ball carrier’s legs.

What should come next?

The upcoming law change is part of a wider effort to reduce dangerous contact in the game, with World Rugby also confirming another tackle that is set to be ousted.

A hip-drop tackle typically involves a defender dropping their full body weight onto the opponent's lower body as they bring the opponent to the ground.

This technique has also been widely discussed.

The tackle on Paea, 32, is considered dangerous but still possible under the current laws of today.

However, with November 1 fast approaching, Tiatia's concerns and questions about World Rugby leaves one question: should the new law wait until its scheduled arrival?