World Rugby is set to introduce the 50-22 kick and goal line dropout in Test rugby and all competitions around the world from August 1st.
The Sydney Morning Herald have revealed that the laws have been approved by the World Rugby executive committee (EXCO) and will be trialled for 12 months.
LAWS TO BE INTRODUCED:
50:22 kick: If the team in possession kicks the ball from inside their own half indirectly into touch inside their opponents’ 22 or from inside their own 22 into their opponents’ half, they will throw in to the resultant lineout Rationale: To create space via a tactical choice for players to drop back out of the defensive line in order to prevent their opponents from kicking for touch.
Goal line dropout: The awarding of a goal-line drop-out to the defending team when an attacking player, who brings the ball into in-goal, is held up. Rationale: To reward good defence and promote a faster rate of play.
Former England international Jeremy Guscott described the 50:22 law change as not a priority.
He said being I don’t believe it will promote more attacking play anywhere near as much as reducing the number of subs – and while the 50:22 idea isn’t bad in itself, changes to the laws should be prioritised, and this is not a priority.