World Rugby are set to introduce three new measures ahead of the 2023 Rugby World Cup to try and enhance he viewing experience.
The sport’s key stakeholders met last week in Monaco to consider ways to improve the flow of international rugby following an jagged Autumn Nations Series.
There is believed to be widespread disillusionment at the low ball-in-play time and the number of stoppages per game.
Head of World Rugby Sir Bill Beaumont labelled the conference as “the first step towards a reimagination of our sport”.
The proposals will be considered by World Rugby over the coming weeks with some possibly being trialled during the 2023 Six Nations.
MEASURES SET TO BE INTRODUCED:
Less water:
The constant arrival on the pitch of water carriers will be addressed by the game’s authorities with permission having to be given for them to enter the field of play.
Shotclock:
The clock – which could be introduced as soon as next year – would help lighten the load on referees. A clock for kicks at goal is already in operation in France’s Top 14.
While the limits of 60 seconds for a penalty and 90 seconds for a conversion are enshrined in law, they are rarely enforced, with kickers regularly exceeding these times. A timer on scrums and line-outs is set to be introduced.
Shorten TMO referrals:
World Rugby are also looking into a way of reducing the amount of time spent on TMO referrals, with the aim of a quicker and more binary system, as is the case in cricket’s Decision Review System [DRS].
Engaging with fans:
There is also a will to better engage the supporters in attendance by not only broadcasting the interactions between officials over the stadium loudspeakers, but also explaining on the big screen why an incident is being reviewed.
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2023 Six Nations fixtures and kick off times confirmed with England handed nightmare start
2023 Six Nations Fixtures – Round One:
04/02/2023
- Wales vs Ireland – 14:15 (BBC)
- England vs Scotland – 16:45 (ITV)
05/02/2023
- Italy vs France – 15:00 (ITV)
2023 Six Nations – Round Two Fixtures:
11/02/2023
- Ireland vs France- 14:15 (ITV)
- Scotland vs Wales – 16:45 (BBC)
12/02/2023
- England vs Italy- 15:00 (ITV)
