During the 2023 Super Rugby season, several law modifications will be tested, which could potentially be implemented in the Rugby World Cup of 2023.
These modifications include time restrictions on goal kicks, set pieces, and rucks, as well as a simplified TMO process. The aim of these fan-focused law innovations is to increase the speed and fluidity of the World Cup.
Referees will enforce time limits of 90 seconds for conversions, 60 seconds for penalty kicks, 30 seconds for scrums and lineouts to be set, and 5 seconds for the ball to be used at rucks.
Additionally, TMOs will only interrupt play for serious, clear, and obvious incidents of foul play.
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.
Scrum down for Kyle Sinckler of England Rugby during the Six Nations Championship match between England and France at Twickenham Stadium, Twickenham, London on March 13 2021. - PHOTO: Micah Crook/PPAUK
TMOs only ‘interrupt’ play to investigate serious, clear and obvious incidents of dangerous play missed by the Match Official team.
Referees can utilise the TMO to make a Yellow Card decision, but any extended TMO video reviews will take place once the player has left the field, not before the Yellow Card is issued.
Referee, Frank Murphy goes to the TMO during the Heineken Champions Cup Match between Bristol Bears and Sale Sharks at Ashton Gate on 15 April. Photo: Tom Sandberg/PPAUK
The TMO will have 8 minutes to either uphold a 10-minute Yellow Card decision or upgrade it to a 20-minute Red Card, in which case the player will not return to the field, but can still be replaced.
Referees will now also have the power to issue a full Red Card for deliberate foul play, in which case the player will not return to the field and cannot be replaced.
Referee Tom Foley shows a red card to Saracens player Robin Hislop during the Gallagher Premiership Rugby Match between Sale Sharks and Saracens at the AJ Bell Stadium on 5th March Photo: Steve Bond/PPAUK
