World Rugby is continuing to push for having the ball in play for longer in games, with a series of law trials being proposed across a wider rugby catchment, which could start on January 1, next year.
The trials were included in the Lipovitan D Rugby Championship this year.
The amendments to the laws included reduced time for conversion attempts, scrums and lineouts, marks inside the 22m from kick-offs, single-stop mauls, playing on in uncontested lineouts, and more protection for halfbacks.
The trials have been endorsed by World Rugby’s executive board, which has acknowledged that the earlier trials have seen approval from players, coaches, referees, and fans. Statistical improvements back them.
Ball-in-play has increased by over two minutes and 30 seconds to more than 33 minutes per match.
Games are being completed three to five minutes faster due to fewer stoppages.
Restarts have been contested 45 per cent more, while mauls have been more dynamic with a 10 per cent increase in ball-out time, reducing mauls by three seconds.
Fewer lineout infringements have occurred due to playing on from uncontested non-straight throws, while scrum and lineout set-ups and goal kicks are 15 seconds faster.
Updates have been made to the TMO protocol, empowering match officials to spot apparent infringements in the final phases before scoring.
The red card process has been simplified and will see the 20-minute red card law favoured by New Zealand and Australia trialled by all nations. That law allows replacing a player sent off by another player after 20 minutes.
The trials will be discussed at the World Rugby Council meeting on November 14. If approved, World Rugby will work with member unions, competition owners, and key stakeholders to arrange timelines and processes for the trial adoption across the globe, which will be implemented from the start of 2025.
World Rugby chairman Sir Bill Beaumont said, “This is another important step for the Shape of the Game programme.
“As a package, these trials demonstrate our commitment to making rugby as enjoyable as possible for audiences, while maintaining the integrity and competitive nature of the game.
“The postive outcomes from the trials reinforce our belief that these adjustments will bring lasting benefits to both players and fans.”
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