World Rugby will consider introducing the 20-minute red card as a global law trial despite concerns that it could diminish the deterrent effect.
Sources suggest the RFU are now keen for this trial to be introduced in England and the rest of Europe following’s Freddie Steward’s controversial red card against Ireland.
The law, which is being trialled in Super Rugby for. a second season, means the dismissed player can be tactically replaced by a substitute after 20 minutes.
A year ago, England lock Charlie Ewels was also sent off after 82 seconds against Ireland, with many observers feeling the dismissal ruined the game as a contest.
World Rugby, however, is determined to keep lowering tackle heights and the Super Rugby trial so far has proved inconclusive.
Former Ireland winger Tommy Bowe is one former player who’d like to see the law changed following Steward’s dismissal.
He told Balls.IE: “By the letter of the law, it was probably the right call, but it’s another incident that shows the need for a 20-minute red card in rugby.
“Super Rugby has been trialling it, but World Rugby must consider a global trial.”
Warren Gatland selects his 2023 Lions squad, also picks no Welshman
Ireland and Scotland dominate Warren Gatland’s British & Irish Lions selection after an excellent 2023 Six Nations campaign.
He wrote in his column for The Telegraph: “I would not have any of my Wales players in the 23. It is simply a reflection of where we are as a team right now. I thought we improved as the Six Nations went on, but we still have a long way to go.
“I am confident that we will get better, and it would be interesting to see if we do this exercise again after the World Cup warm-up games and the World Cup itself, how much it would change. I have set some parameters in picking my 23.
“I have not included any player who was injured ahead of the final round of matches, which has ruled out the likes of Garry Ringrose, who probably would have been in my starting XV, and Finn Russell and Stuart Hogg.”
Warren Gatland’s 2023 Lions XV:
Back-three:
15. Hugo Keenan – Ireland
14. Duhan van der Merwe – Scotland
He wrote: “Mack Hansen is very unlucky here but I’m switching Duhan to the right wing. I think he is in much better shape physically than he was when he was with the Lions a couple of years ago. He caused defenders all sorts of problems, carried well and scored some outstanding tries. He has also definitely improved his aerial game, which was something he had to work on.”
11. James Lowe – Ireland
Centre:
13. Huw Jones – Scotland
12. Sione Tuipulotu – Scotland
He wrote: “I was also impressed with the impact Bundee Aki made for Ireland, but Sione has a superb all-around game. He does not just give you good go-forward ball but can make the pass and offload as well.”