Rugby: Rugby-World Rugby reveal plans to speed up the game

(Reuters) – World Rugby have revealed plans aimed at “reimagining rugby’s entertainment factor”, including 20 minute sanctions for red cards, quickening of ball from the ruck and maul, and a set time to complete scrums and lineouts, officials confirmed on Tuesday.

The governing body is concerned slow play and negative tactics may turn new viewers away, with a focus on “enhancing ball in flow, reducing stoppages and increasing welfare outcomes.”

A specialist working group will be set up to explore a revised punishment for red card offences whereby the sanctioned player’s place on the field can be taken by a teammate after 20 minutes, nullifying the numerical advantage for their opponents.

However, also under consideration are stronger off-field sanctions for foul play that could see players suspended for longer periods.

World Rugby will also look at the number and timing of replacements “to create more space on the field while improving injury rates”, potentially nullifying the Springboks’ famed ‘Bomb Squad’ that was used to win the last two World Cups.

In place immediately, referees must tell players to use the ball at the base of a ruck/breakdown sooner, which in turn sets off a five second timeframe for them to do so. This is to stop teams stalling ahead of the next phase of play.

The World Rugby Council will also consider further amendments at their May 9 meeting, including an adjustment to the onside law when there are kicks in open play.

The current law allows for what is termed ‘kick tennis’ where teams trade territorial kicks into each other’s half that often only end when one side either puts the ball out of play or there is an error.

A trial is currently under way in the Super Rugby Pacific competition in which players in front of the kicker can only be played onside by the kicker himself advancing, or by a chasing team mate that started behind the kicker.

At the moment, players are onside when the kick receiver runs five metres, but cannot move until then, which makes for statues on the field as the ball flies over their head and not much entertainment for spectators.

World Rugby will also ask unions to implement a set of trials in their domestic competitions that will put a limit on the amount of time taken for scrums and lineouts to be completed, similar to the ‘shot clock’ for penalties and conversions.

They will also a trial a law that says the ball must be played after a maul has been stopped once, not the current twice, and for the ability to mark the ball inside the 22 from a restart.

(Reporting by Nick Said; Editing by Christian Radnedge)