- A series of new laws will be trialled during next month’s Autumn internationals
- Referees can show permanent red cards or a 20-minute sanctions for offences
- Countdown clocks will be introduced for scrums, line-outs and kicks at goal
Next month’s crunch autumn rugby internationals will be played with a series of new laws, including a variation on the controversial 20-minute red card proposal.
World Rugby – the game’s governing body – has put forward a number of fresh regulation tweaks as part of its aim to improve and simplify the sport and make it more entertaining.
Chief among them is the 20-minute red card.
The number of dismissals in Tests has increased exponentially in recent years as referees have looked to clamp down on dangerous play in order to protect player welfare.
However, it has been argued in some quarters that red cards and teams going down to 14 players permanently have ruined matches.
Referees will have the option of permanent red cards for foul play or 20-minute sanctions
French rugby bosses have already criticised the standalone 20-minute red card proposal
This is where the idea of a 20-minute red card comes in.
In the November Tests, referees will retain the ability to award a permanent red card for foul play which deemed to be deliberate and dangerous.
But they will also have the option to award a 20-minute red card for technical offences.
In such a situation, the player shown a red card will be dismissed but their team will be able to replace them with another – thus ensuring they return to 15 – after 20 minutes.
This variation on the law trial differs to the standalone 20-minute red card proposal due to be discussed by the wider game later this year which has already been criticised by French rugby bosses.
Another law trial being introduced to the Autumn Nations Series for the first time is the option for the match referee to go ‘on mic’ to explain their decision or key moments for the benefit of those in stadium or at home via broadcast coverage. The autumn internationals now fall under the banner of the Six Nations who have chosen to implement these law variations.
Julie Paterson, Six Nations chief of rugby, said: ‘Everyone in rugby understands there is a huge opportunity to capture the attention of a far broader audience, alongside catering for its existing and passionate fanbase. The law trials are just one step towards exploring this opportunity.
‘The trials will hopefully enhance the experience for fans, but also explain the nuances that are part of what make rugby so unique and special.
Referees will be able to go ‘on mic’ to explain key decisions for the benefit of rugby fans
Kickers will now have only 60 seconds to complete a conversion after a try is scored
‘No trial or subsequent change is considered without utter confidence player safety and welfare is front and centre.
‘We need to look after the players and the trials we have opted to use this November deliver on this commitment.’
Other new law proposals which will be used this autumn will include countdown clocks for scrums, line-outs and kicks at goal.
Kickers will now have only 60 seconds to complete a conversion, with the time starting straight after a try is scored.
If a player exceeds this time limit the conversion kick shall be disallowed. A minute will also be allocated for a penalty kick at goal.
If the penalty attempt times out, a scrum is awarded to the non-kicking team at the place of the penalty.
Scrums and line-outs must be set within 30 seconds or a free-kick will be awarded to the opposition. These laws are designed to speed up the pace of play.
The autumn internationals run on four consecutive weekends from November 2 with the action beginning with a humdinger of an encounter between England and New Zealand at Allianz Stadium – the venue formally known as Twickenham.
