The 2023 Rugby World Cup may introduce new rule modifications that have been tested during the 2023 Super Rugby season.
These changes are focused on improving the pace and flow of the game, and include time restrictions on certain actions like goal kicks, set pieces, and rucks.
Additionally, a more streamlined TMO process will be implemented, only intervening in clear instances of foul play.
Referees will enforce specific time limits for each action, such as 90 seconds for conversions, 60 seconds for penalty kicks, 30 seconds for scrums and lineouts, and 5 seconds for the ball to be used at rucks. T
hese fan-centric law innovations are aimed at making the Rugby World Cup faster and more fluid than ever before.
The key changes are summarised in bullet points below:
- The referee will put a stopwatch shot clock on kickers who will have 90 seconds to kick a conversion from the time a try is awarded, and 60 seconds for penalties, from the time the referee signals a shot at goal.
- Match officials will expect lineouts and scrums to be formed within 30 seconds of the respective marks being set, and the ball to be used within 5 seconds of a ruck being formed.
