PREM Rugby makes major law changes for new season after Steve Borthwick intervention

The changes will see several key areas refereed differently, with the aim of bringing the domestic game closer to Test rugby ahead of the 2027 Rugby World Cup.

Borthwick met with PREM directors of rugby last month, with the RFU's refereeing team also involved in discussions over how the game should be officiated.

According to The Guardian, the breakdown, offside line and scrum are among the areas set to come under greater focus.

Here's what supporters can expect.

This could be the biggest change.

There have been concerns over the difference between how the breakdown is refereed in the PREM compared to international rugby.

The contest for the ball is often much more aggressive at Test level, particularly when England come up against the likes of South Africa, New Zealand and France.

Officials will now look to bring the domestic interpretation closer to the international game.

For Borthwick, that means his England players should arrive in camp better prepared for what they will face at Test level.

The offside line is another area being targeted.

Players creeping beyond the back foot can dramatically reduce the attacking side's time and space, particularly when facing aggressive defensive systems.

Officials are expected to police the area more closely as part of the move towards greater consistency between the PREM and Test rugby.

It could make a noticeable difference to the speed and shape of matches this season.

There will also be greater focus on the scrum and the brake-foot law.

Hookers are required to have one foot positioned forward before the two packs engage, rather than loading all their weight through both feet.

The measure was initially introduced as a safety trial before being incorporated into World Rugby law.

England referee Karl Dickson notably penalised All Blacks hooker Codie Taylor twice for brake-foot offences during New Zealand's series against South Africa.

You can see the latest law changes and clarifications on World Rugby's official Laws of the Game website.

The reasoning is simple.

England don't want their players spending the PREM season adapting to one interpretation of the laws before having to change when they step into international rugby.

With the 2027 Rugby World Cup approaching, reducing that gap has become increasingly important.

The changes don't amount to the PREM introducing its own new lawbook.

Instead, referees will place greater emphasis on several existing laws and interpretations to bring the competition closer to the way Test rugby is currently being officiated.

For Borthwick, the hope is that England's players will feel the benefit when the World Cup begins.