World Rugby Announces Law Changes and Trials to Enhance Entertainment
World Rugby has announced a series of law changes and trials aimed at speeding up the game and increasing its entertainment value. These changes, effective from July 1st, focus on promoting ball in play, diverse attacking options, and player welfare.
Offside from kicks: Players will no longer be put onside when an opponent catches and runs or passes the ball after a kick, reducing "kick tennis."
Scrums are no longer an option for free-kicks, encouraging more ball in play.
This dangerous tackling technique will be outlawed and penalized.
20-minute red card replacements: Teams can replace red-carded players after 20 minutes.
This aims to speed up set-piece play.
The ball must be played after the maul is stopped once, not twice.
This allows for quicker attacking opportunities.
Play continues if the ball isn't thrown straight in uncontested lineouts.
The scrum-half cannot be tackled while the ball is near a tackle, ruck, or maul, and their offside line is the middle of the scrum tunnel.
World Rugby Chairman Bill Beaumont believes these changes will enhance the entertainment factor of the game. The effectiveness of the trials will be reviewed, and feedback from across the rugby community will be considered.
5 Comments
MrNobody
Banning high tackles is necessary to protect players and prevent serious injuries.
Bella Ciao
Forcing quicker play keeps the game exciting and prevents stagnation.
Coccinella
Uncontested lineouts often lead to delays and disrupt the momentum of the game.
Mariposa
Protecting the scrum-half makes the game fairer and safer for all players.
KittyKat
Rugby needs to adapt to the modern sporting landscape and cater to a wider audience.