- 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
World Rugby will trial a new 20-minute red card in next month’s Autumn Nations Series as part of a number of rule changes to try to simplify the game and also make it more entertaining.
Dangerous and deliberate foul play will still be punished by a straight red card, but if the foul play is deemed accidental then the player can be sent to the sin bin for 20 minutes, after which they must be replaced by a substitute. 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 teams are going down to 14 players too regularly, which is ruining matches. It is hoped allowing someone to replace the offending player after 20 minutes should allow matches to retain their balance. This variation on the law trial differs to the standalone 20-minute red card proposal due to be discussed later this year, which has already been criticised by French rugby bosses.
Another rule change is that, for the first time, referees will be able to go ‘on mic’ and explain decisions over the stadium’s loudspeakers or to fans at home watching on television.
Other new law proposals will include countdown clocks for scrums, lineouts and kicks at goal. Kickers will now have only 60 seconds to attempt a conversion, starting from the moment 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 spot of the penalty.
In further changes to try to speed up the pace of play, scrums and lineouts must be set in 30 seconds or a free-kick will be awarded to the opposition.
England’s autumn international calendar kicks off with a hotly-anticipated clash against New Zealand on November 2, then Australia, South Africa and Japan on the following weekends at Allianz Stadium, the new name of Twickenham.
Wales will face Fiji, Australia and South Africa, while Scotland take on the same three teams as well as Portugal. World No1 side Ireland will play the All Blacks, Argentina, Fiji and Australia.
