World Rugby has announced a host of directives for 2023 in a bid to speed up the game and make it more entertaining.
The law applications will be in force across the game from January 1, and World Rugby say they are "designed to support a quicker, more entertaining game while balancing safety and spectacle".
The use of a countdown shot clock, displayed on the big screens, will also be encouraged during competitions to persuade teams to restart or take a kick within the allotted time with greater urgency.
With the Rugby World Cup in France just nine months away, the guidelines - designed to help match officials, players and coaches - come off the back of consistent criticism that there are too many breaks in play in elite rugby and a broad acknowledgement that the sport needs to attract new fans.
World Rugby chairman Sir Bill Beaumont said: “As a sport, a movement and a family, we must always challenge ourselves to be better. That means taking time to consider what fans and players want the future of our sport to be, a future where more people want to play and support the game, where injury risk is reducing and where all involved in the game have their say."
Speeding up the game
Players and match officials are reminded of the following existing laws which World Rugby say must be strictly adhered to:
- Conversion. [The kicker] takes the kick within 90 seconds (playing time) from the time the try was awarded, even if the ball rolls over and has to be placed again. Sanction: Kick is disallowed.
- Penalty Kick: The kick must be taken within 60 seconds (playing time) from the time the team indicated their intention to do so, even if the ball rolls over and has to be placed again. Sanction: Kick is disallowed and a scrum is awarded.
- A player must not waste time. Sanction Free Kick
- Lineout: Teams form the lineout without delay. Sanction: Free-kick.
- Scrum: Teams must be ready to form the scrum within 30 seconds of the mark being made. Sanction: Free-kick.
World Rugby say the whole sport is encouraged to apply these guidelines to speed up the game, and elite matches competitions will be encouraged to use a shot clock as trialled in the LNR/ FFR competitions when practically possible. A clock for kicks at goal is already in operation in France's Top 14.
World Rugby director of rugby Phil Davies said: “World Rugby, member unions and competitions will work with broadcasters and match hosts to implement on-screen (stadia and broadcast) shot clocks for penalties and conversions to ensure referees, players and fans can view the countdown, mirroring what happens in the LNR and Sevens."
Cutting reliance on TMO reviews
Match officials are being reminded that the current TMO protocol is aimed at identifying and ensuring clear and obvious offences are dealt with on-field, with lengthy reviews indicating an offence may not be obvious.
Davies added: “There was excellent debate at the Shape of the Game conference on this topic, including leading match officials, coaches and player representatives. It was agreed that reviews can often take too long, suggesting the offence being reviewed is not clear and obvious. While we can always enhance the technology interaction to speed up the process, the match official teams – led by the referee - should attempt to make speedier decisions and limit replays where not necessary.”
Fewer water carrier interventions
Water will be able to be taken onto the field when a try is scored.
While the global law trial on limiting the number of water carriers to two, and reducing the times they enter the field, has reduced unnecessary stoppages, World Rugby say creating set windows for water breaks has created the impression of disrupting the game, even if that water was taken during a natural stoppage (try/injury/TMO review).
Davies added: “Following discussions with stakeholders, an amendment to the current global law trial covering water carriers will allow water onto the field when a try is scored. Participating competitions and unions are reminded of the 60/90 second limits on kick times. Only in a game with no tries, should a natural stoppage be used."
Penalising negative player actions
Referees will be asked to be strong on negative player actions like trapping players into ruck, and jackallers not aiming to play the ball.
A statement says: "Players are reminded about their responsibilities not to hold the ball or walk off with the ball at penalties – this reduces attacking options by the non-offending team and slows the game down unnecessarily and will be sanctioned."
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Penalising players with hands on the floor to support body weight
Players who put their hands on the floor at tackles, rucks and mauls are subject to sanction, although judgement can be used if the player is using the ground briefly to maintain their own balance and stability.
Deliberate knock-ons
World Rugby say: "Players must endeavour to catch the ball. Referees are asked to show good judgement when deciding if a player has a reasonable expectation of catching and gaining possession, and then in determining a sanction."
All participants are reminded of the following existing laws:
- A player must not intentionally knock the ball forward with hand or arm. Sanction: Penalty.
- It is not an intentional knock-on if, in the act of trying to catch the ball, the player knocks on provided that there was a reasonable expectation that the player could gain possession.
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