World Rugby finds no medical evidence to outlaw 7-1 bench splits

Ireland and France players in a ruck during the men's Six Nations in Dublin where the visitors had seven players on the bench. Photograph: PA Images/Alamy

World Rugby insists there is no medical evidence that 7-1 bench splits will lead to more injuries and the governing body has no plans to outlaw the tactic as a result.

France deployed a bench of seven forwards and one back to devastating effect in three matches during the Six Nations, particularly during the 42‑27 victory against Ireland in Dublin. The strategy was introduced by South Africa in a warmup match against New Zealand before the 2023 World Cup, and they have used it on a number of occasions since.