diff --git a/.govuk_dependabot_merger.yml b/.govuk_dependabot_merger.yml
index 9bd9aaa4..86901691 100644
--- a/.govuk_dependabot_merger.yml
+++ b/.govuk_dependabot_merger.yml
@@ -5,3 +5,6 @@ defaults:
     - minor
   auto_merge: true
   update_external_dependencies: true
+overrides:
+  - dependency: rails # should be upgraded manually, see https://docs.publishing.service.gov.uk/manual/keeping-software-current.html#rails
+    auto_merge: false