World Rugby has approved a series of law amendments, effective 1 July 2024. targeting key areas such as offside from kicks, free-kick options, and player welfare concerns.
Firstly, amendments to Law 10.7 dictate that players can no longer be put onside from kicks in open play if an opponent catches the ball and runs five metres or passes it. This alteration aims to reduce the prevalence of “kick tennis” and encourage dynamic attacking play.
Additionally, under Law 20.3, teams will no longer have the option to choose a scrum from a free-kick, emphasising the imperative of keeping the ball in motion.
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Another significant change involves the banning of the controversial ‘crocodile roll’ technique, which entails twisting or pulling a player away from the tackle area. This practice will now result in a penalty, prioritizing player welfare and safety.
Furthermore, World Rugby unveiled a streamlined red card sanction trial, designed to ensure consistency and clarity in disciplinary outcomes. Under this trial, automatic two-week bans will be imposed for instances of foul play and four-week bans for aggravated foul play, without the need for mitigation.
A Sanction Committee will oversee the calibration of red card sanctions to maintain uniformity across matches.
The red card trial, set to debut at World Rugby competitions in 2024, also introduces the provision for a red-carded player to be replaced after 20 minutes. This innovation aims to penalise individuals rather than disrupting the flow of the game, aligning with the sport’s commitment to fair play and competition.
Photo: Christophe Simon/AFP
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Src: sarugbymag.co.za
