Rugby League’s International Federation has banned the ‘shoulder charge’ from international competitions around the world.

“As we look forward to an incredibly exciting season for the game, culminating in the 2013 Rugby League World Cup, reviewing rules such as the shoulder charge is an important part of ensuring we have created the right environment for our players,” RLIF Chairman, Mr Scott Carter, said.

“Player safety is a fundamental principle and the latest research and current trends show that the shoulder charge has the potential to create an unacceptable risk of injury for players.”

Where a season has already started, including the European Super League, the domestic governing body will be able to decide if an immediate ban should be implemented or if the ban should come into force at the end of the current season.

The ban will be in effect for this weekend’s World Club Challenge and the 2013 Rugby League World Cup.

The Australian Rugby League Commission had previously outlawed the shoulder charge at the end of last year while New Zealand already had a ban in place in its domestic competition.