A new proposal for a law has been brought up in response to the recent red card incident involving England’s full-back, Freddie Steward, during the Six Nations finale.
According to the Telegraph, a referee who officiated in the tournament and attended a World Rugby alignment meeting with international coaches and referees has revealed that the incident has caused division among the top officials in the sport.
There is a growing feeling that officials and decision-makers at World Rugby do not want World Cup matches to be determined by controversial red cards.
Under the new proposed law, if the on-field teams are unable to make a quick decision after one or two looks, a yellow card will be issued initially.
The incident will then be reviewed by the TMO, who can upgrade it from a yellow to a red during the 10-minute sin-bin.
World Rugby bosses want to avoid multiple replays being examined multiple times, taking up several minutes by the referee, ARs, and TMOs.
The governing body will make a decision in the next two months after considering logistical challenges and consulting with stakeholders such as players and coaches.
In the Super Rugby Pacific competition, yellow cards have been upgraded to a 20-minute red card, and the offending player is replaced by a teammate if the TMO deems the offense to be severe enough.
However, at the World Cup, only yellow and traditional permanent red cards will be used.
“Pool of death” – England handed nightmare group in revised Rugby World Cup draw
The latest World Rugby Rankings reaffirm home how ridiculous the Pool Draw for the Rugby World Cup 2023 is.
Decided THREE years before the tournament, the pools for the tournament that starts in September seems extremely unbalanced.
World Rugby has already confirmed they will hold the pool draws for future Rugby World Cups at a later date, closer to the kick-off of upcoming tournaments.
This comes after criticism that the draws were taking place far too early, with world rankings at the time of the draw playing a crucial role in the teams’ seedings.
World Rugby will shake the pool draw up ahead of 2027, according to a report by the Mirror.
“World Rugby said it is able to make the change because of a new ‘hosting model’ that sees the international federation create collaborations with the host union,” the report read.
“The top of the men’s Test game has never been more competitive,” the spokesperson added. “There has never been so much movement over a two-year period.
“Bearing that in mind and noting the format of four pools of five teams, there is arguably no perfect time for a draw.”
As a result, the guys over at Eggchasers Rugby put together their own drawer the 2023 tournament based on the current World Rugby rankings.
Concentrating on only the top 10 countries in the world, it looks significant.
It was very different with England handed a much sterner test in their pool. Watch the full video here.
POOL A actual draw:
- France
- New Zealand
POOL A up to date draw
- France
- Australia