The World Rugby Executive Committee has approved new law variations for trial in the Super Rugby AU and Super Rugby Aotearoa competitions that kick-off this month. These include law variations with an ambition to speed up play and improve the spectacle for fans.
Several law variations were implemented in Super Rugby 2020 in Australia and New Zealand (see table below) and will be implemented again in 2021, but additional variations will also be introduced this season at the request of the respective national unions.
World Rugby Acting Chief Executive Alan Gilpin said: “We welcome the opportunity afforded by Rugby Australia and New Zealand Rugby to run trials within their respective domestic Super Rugby competitions in 2021.These trials, which have attractiveness and welfare at heart, build upon encouraging initial trials in 2020 and we look forward to seeing the outcomes.”
All trials will be tracked and evaluated to inform decisions regarding future progression.
RUGBY LAW TRIALS:
RED CARD - ability to replace red-carded player after 20 minutes
GOAL-LINE DROP-OUT for held-up, knock-in in goal or forcing/grounding a ball which is kicking into in-goal. Reward defensive team with a drop-out anywhere on goal-line
NO MARK IN 22M - for kicks which originate in attacking 22m. The kick can be marked in goal. Restart with a 22m drop-out
50:22 AND 22:50 - reward indirect free-kicks to touch with the lineout throw
GOLDEN POINT/TRY - If the match is drawn at full-time, the match goes to extra-time with the winner determined by either first try or points scored
CAPTAIN'S CHALLENGE - Team allowed one captain's challenge but only for try-scoring, foul play or last five minutes of each half. Retain challenge if successful
KICK-OFF AND RESTARTS - Opposition team restarts with a drop-out and within 30 seconds of conversion or penalty-kick/drop goal
