by World Rugby is considering lowering the height of the fixtures in the elite game as well as reducing the number of substitutes as part of a radical plan to expand the sport’s global appeal.
The role of the televised match officials (TMO) will also be scrutinized by so-called ‘specialist working groups’ as part of the world governing body’s bid to make the game more entertaining.
The move follows World Rugby’s ‘Shape of the Game’ forum held at the end of last month designed to make rugby more attractive to new audiences in an increasingly global sports and entertainment market. competitive.
Specialist working groups are to be established to further explore aspects identified by the forum, including examining the impact of lowering the tackle height in community rugby in 2023 to below the sternum and to to consider “suitability for elite rugby”. . However, it is recognized that this will not be possible in a closed trial, as the professionals are involved at domestic, cross-border and international levels.
The latest research on the impact of fatigue and the number and timing of substitutions in the elite game will also be examined to determine options “that could create more space on the pitch and improve injury rates”, and recommendations for implementation submitted to World Rugby. Council in May.
20 minute world red card trial
The overhaul will also include a review of the sport’s disciplinary and sanctioning processes with the aim of “simplifying, increasing simplicity, consistency and fan understanding”.
World Rugby says the main consideration is the potential for stronger off-field sanctions to be combined with “a global red card trial where a player is removed for the duration of the match but can be replaced after 20 minutes”.
A review of disciplinary sanctions could see him move away from the current process-heavy legal system.
Clampdown on caterpillar wrecks
The new five-step approach is designed to explore, adopt and test the key results aimed at speeding up the game, encouraging more time for the ball in play, reducing stoppages and increasing welfare outcomes.
As a result of the first phase, which will come into effect on Tuesday, referees will be asked to call on players to use the ball more quickly, from a breakdown, starting a five-second countdown to “use it” earlier as part of the movement to the ball to delete. use ‘caterpillar rockets’.
Umpires will be expected to maintain a “full foot brake” to aid scrum stability and safety during the engagement sequence, and restrict water carriers from speaking to referees and restrictions on their entry to the field of play.
Three more legal adjustments will be made to the World Rugby Council before its meeting on 9 May to effectively scrap the ‘Dupont Law’ (which used a loophole where outside attackers were previously allowed to tackle the ball receiver and tackle him when he is.run five meters forward) to reduce kick tennis, remove the scrum option from a free kick at a scrum and ban the ‘croc roll’.
‘Shot clock’ extended to scrums and lineouts
The unions and closed trial leagues will be encouraged by law including the extension of the shot clock for scrums and lineouts and reduced kicking time, the ability to mark the ball inside the 22 meter line from the restart, promoting attacking options; ‘play on’ for the line out not just unless the throw-in is uncontested, using the ball off a maul when stopped once, not twice, as well as protecting the bottom nine scrum, the rack and the scrum.
World Rugby is also to set up ‘rugby labs’ to test new aspects of the law in a controlled environment assessed by data and player feedback, including the scrum engagement sequence and the tackle/ruck area.
‘Embracing change – and focusing on entertainment first’
Targeting the next generation of supporters will see a review of the language and terminology used within the game, including how it is marketed and presented, to improve the in-stadium experience.
“The DNA of rugby is changing,” said Bill Beaumont, chairman of World Rugby. “Two hundred years ago we were born from a desire for change, and we’re harnessing that same spirit to inspire the next generation of fans and players. The actions we are taking are based on our commitment to increase relevance on a global basis and a desire to change for the better.
“That means being bold, embracing change by dialing up the value of entertainment, making our stars more accessible and simplifying the terminology and language used to explain rugby to those who are not yet in love with it.
“We have moved quickly. It took unity and a particular commitment from across the sport to be able to present a package of improvements to the Council in May. I look forward to the discussion.”
