World Rugby has revealed plans aimed at “reimagining rugby’s entertainment factor,” including 20 minute sanctions for red cards, quickening of ball from the ruck and maul, and a set time to complete scrums and line-outs, officials said on Tuesday.
The governing body is concerned slow play and negative tactics might turn new viewers away, and said it aims to focus on “enhancing ball in flow, reducing stoppages and increasing welfare outcomes.”
A specialist working group is to be set up to explore a revised punishment for red card offenses whereby the sanctioned player’s place on the field can be taken by a teammate after 20 minutes, nullifying the numerical advantage for their opponents.
Photo: AFP
However, also under consideration are stronger off-field sanctions for foul play that could see players suspended for longer periods.
World Rugby also plans to look at the number and timing of replacements “to create more space on the field while improving injury rates,” potentially nullifying South Africa’s famed “Bomb Squad” that was used to win the last two World Cups.
In place immediately, referees must tell players to use the ball at the base of a ruck or breakdown sooner, which in turn sets off a five second timeframe for them to do so. This is to stop teams stalling ahead of the next phase of play.
Photo: AFP
The World Rugby Council is also to consider further amendments at its May 9 meeting, including an adjustment to the onside law when there are kicks in open play.
The current law allows for what is termed “kick tennis” where teams trade territorial kicks into each other’s half.
World Rugby also plans to ask unions to implement a set of trials in their domestic competitions that would put a limit on the amount of time taken for scrums and line-outs to be completed.
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