Fans slam law change that has just been approved for the Autumn Internationals

.

The tournament kicks off on Saturday, November 2, with a blockbuster clash between England and New Zealand, streaming live on TNT Sports and discovery+. But the real talk of the town? A game-changing law that’s dividing the rugby world.

Join our Breaking News and Top Stories WhatsApp community for all the latest news direct to your phone.

In a landmark move for Northern Hemisphere rugby, refs will now have the power to issue a 20-minute red card for unintentional foul play. Yup, you read that right – 20 minutes on the naughty step before a replacement can swoop in to take the field.

But don’t worry – for deliberate and dangerous offences, the classic red card is still in play, booting the offender out for the rest of the game.

World Rugby says the 20-minute card isn’t the same as the standalone 20-minute red card trial up for debate later this year. Confused? So are the fans.

“It’s meant for unintentional acts of foul play,” they explain, aiming to keep matches more balanced without excusing reckless behaviour. But not everyone’s convinced...

The French Rugby Federation has already thrown a firm "non!" at the idea, calling it an “unacceptable step backwards” in efforts to reduce dangerous head impacts. Irish Rugby jumped on board too, backing the call to scrap the short-lived red.

Fans aren’t staying quiet either. One furious tweet read, “No one wants or likes 20-minute red cards. Trialled at the U20s and it was a bloody joke!”

Another user added, “20 mins red card is a joke. If it’s dangerous, the player should be gone for good!”

From high-profile marriages to lucrative endorsements and television appearances, these rugby stars have built financial empires.

Here’s a look at three couples who have combined their sporting legacies with fame and fortune, amassing millions along the way.

Mike Tindall is known not just for his rugby prowess but for his royal connections. As the husband of Zara Phillips, the granddaughter of Queen Elizabeth II, Tindall has become a prominent figure in British media.

Nicknamed “The Fridge” due to his imposing physique, Tindall was a stalwart on the rugby field, famously breaking his nose at least eight times over the course of his career. Since retiring from the sport, he’s made a name for himself in the entertainment world, appearing on popular reality shows such as I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here, Bear Grylls: Mission Survive, The Jump, Shark Cage, Celebrity Poker Club, and All-Star Poker Challenge

Despite his success in sports and entertainment, Tindall’s wealth has been largely bolstered by his royal ties, with his net worth estimated at £20 million, according to British media.

Jonny Wilkinson is a legendary figure in English rugby, with a career spanning 12 seasons at Newcastle Falcons before his move to French club Toulon in 2009. Wilkinson cemented his place in history by leading England to victory in the 2003 Rugby World Cup, becoming a national hero in the process.

In his personal life, Wilkinson has kept a lower profile. He married his long-time girlfriend, Shelley Jenkins, in a private ceremony on the French Riviera in October 2013. The couple now has a son, reportedly named James, and maintain a relatively private family life. Wilkinson's net worth stands at £22 million, making him one of rugby's wealthiest figures.

Sonny Bill Williams is a sporting icon from New Zealand, famed not only for his rugby achievements but also for his ventures into boxing. Known for his versatility, Williams has excelled in both rugby union and rugby league, playing as a centre and second-rower, respectively. Additionally, his brief yet successful stint in professional boxing saw him win nine out of 10 heavyweight bouts.

In 2013, Williams married Alana Raffie after a whirlwind four-week romance, following Islamic traditions despite admitting that they were not in love at the time. Their union has since become one of the most talked-about in sports. With a combination of earnings from rugby, boxing, and endorsements, the couple's net worth is reported to be around £20 million.