France have hit out against World Rugby’s plans to institute a global trial of the 20-minute red card, in a strongly-worded statement from the FFR and LNR.
World Rugby announced last week a series of proposed global law trials – including the 20-minute red card – that the governing body says are “aimed at enhancing both fan and player experience.”
The adjustment to the red card, allowing a sent-off player to be replaced after 20 minutes, has been met with a mixed reception. Proponents have argued that red cards have too big of an impact on matches, while those against the law change
However, World Rugby’s plans have received their strongest criticism yet as the FFR, which manages France’s national team, and the LNR, responsible for the professional clubs and Top 14, put out a combined statement on Monday, outlying their opposition to the proposal.
In the statement, France’s powerbrokers claim that there is insufficient evidence from the four competitions where the 20-minute red card has been trialled, including this year’s Rugby Championship and U20 World Cup.
France also argue against the idea that a weakened red card will lead to a more flowing game, saying that there own research of over 480 top-flight matches in the Top 14 and Test rugby shows that 60% of teams with a red card lost.
“For the FFR, the LNR and Provale, the red card is a crucial tool that deters unsportsmanlike behavior and protects the physical integrity of players,” the statement read. “Transforming this sanction into a temporary expulsion could encourage dangerous behavior, thus compromising the safety of players, which must remain the top priority.
“French professional clubs and national team management teams stress the need to maintain a firm attitude towards unfair play. The red card as a collective sanction aims to preserve balance and fair play, and its reduction to an individual sanction would weaken this essential function.
“In addition, this rule would mark an unacceptable step backwards on the measures put in place for several years to reduce head impacts and encourage players to have greater technical mastery in contact.
“Rugby is followed by millions of fans around the world. The implementation of this rule could encourage more aggressive play or create controversies related to the tactical exploitation of the rule, thus negatively impacting the image of rugby.
“Finally, in view of the elements put forward, the FFR will speak out against the entry into force of this experiment of this rule of the game at the World Rugby Council meeting on 14 November 2024.”
Photo: Shaun Botterill/Getty Images
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