Second phase: Law amendment recommendations for global adoption
A package of law amendments will be considered by the World Rugby Council at its 9 May meeting. Each is aimed at enhancing game continuity:
- Recommendation to make adjustments to Law 10 in relation to players being put onside when there are kicks in open play, as per the current Super Rugby Pacific trial which aims to reduce kick tennis.
- Removal of the scrum option from a free-kick, reducing dead time.
- Outlawing the practice of the ‘croc roll’, reinforcing player welfare focus
Third phase: Closed law trials
Unions and competition owners will be encouraged to implement a package of closed law trials which can be adopted at domestic or cross-border level, aimed at enhancing game continuity:
- Expansion of the shot clock for scrum and lineouts and reduced kicking time.
- Ability to mark the ball inside the 22m line from a restart, promoting attacking options.
- The ball must be played after the maul has been stopped once, not twice.
- Protection of the nine at the base of the scrum, ruck and at the maul following successful trials in Major League Rugby in the USA and in elite and community competitions in New Zealand.
- Play on for lineout not straight if the throw in is uncontested.