World Rugby to introduce game-changing laws impacting scrum, red cards, and continuity. Proposals to be considered in May.
World Rugby is poised to introduce a series of game-changing law changes that could significantly impact the way the sport is played, particularly at the elite level. These proposed changes come as part of the governing body’s ongoing efforts to enhance rugby’s entertainment value and grow its audience over the next decade.
STRICT ENFORCEMENT OF EXISTING LAWS
Referees will be expected to adhere precisely to current laws as of March 19. When the ball is secured at a ruck or breakdown, players must use it more rapidly. Referees will announce “use it” early to start the five-second clock.
To increase stability and safety throughout the scrum engagement cycle, hookers must keep their brake foot fully engaged. The 2022 legislation trial concerning water carriers entering the playing field will also be strictly enforced.
WORLD RUGBY LAW CHANGE PACKAGE TO BE CONSIDERED IN MAY
At the upcoming World Rugby general council meeting on 9 May, a package of law amendments will be considered. These include adjustments to Law 10 regarding players being put on side during kicks in open play, aiming to reduce “kick tennis”, removal of the scrum option from a free kick at a scrum, reducing dead time, and outlawing the practice of the “croc roll” to reinforce player welfare.
The removal of the scrum option from a free kick could significantly impact teams that rely heavily on their scrum dominance, such as the Springboks, who have leveraged this strength to win back-to-back World Cups in 2019 and 2023.
WORLD RUGBY: 20-MINUTE RED CARD LAW CHANGE PROPOSAL
World Rugby has confirmed that a final proposal for the 20-minute red card law will be presented at the 9 May council meeting. If approved, this law change, which allows a red-carded player to be replaced after 20 minutes, could be in place for a global trial by the time the Springboks host Ireland in the July Test series.
CLOSED LAW TRIALS TO ENHANCE GAME CONTINUITY
Unions and competition owners will be encouraged to implement a package of closed law trials aimed at enhancing game continuity. These include the expansion of the shot clock for scrums and lineouts, reduced Kicking time, the capacity to mark the ball inside the 22-meter line from a restart, playing the ball following one maul stop, guarding the scrumhalf at the base of the maul, ruck, and scrum, and continuing for a straight lineout if the throw-in is unopposed are all examples of essential skills.
The proposed legal reforms by World Rugby have the potential to have significant effects on both teams and players, especially as they gear up for the next World Cup cycle. The World Rugby law amendment recommendations show how committed the governing body is to maintaining the sport’s appeal to spectators around the globe.
