World Rugby considering 20-minute red card trial among rule changes
World Rugby chairman Sir Bill Beaumont said in a statement: "Change is in rugby's DNA. Two hundred years ago we were born from a desire to change and we are harnessing that same spirit to excite the next generation of fans and players"
Tuesday 19 March 2024 20:57, UK
World Rugby is considering a global trial of a 20-minute red card as part of a raft of radical plans to broaden the appeal of the sport.
The proposal, where the player sent off is replaced by a substitute after 20 minutes has elapsed, will potentially go before the governing body's council in May.
Introducing a shot clock for scrums and lineouts, outlawing the 'crocodile roll' clearout at rucks and lowering the tackle height in the elite game to the base of the sternum are among the other possible rule changes.
More immediately, referees have been told to call "use it" earlier at breakdowns in a bid to speed up play and eradicate the use of 'caterpillar rucks', and also crack down on water-carriers entering the pitch.
- Ireland Six Nations champions again after beating Scotland
- Andy Farrell: Twickenham loss will be best thing to happen to Ireland
- Warren Gatland offers to resign after Italy condemn Wales to winless Six Nations
The recommendations follow World Rugby's 'shape of the game' forum held last month in an effort to enhance rugby's entertainment factor.
Twenty-minute red cards would ensure the offending player and their team are punished without spoiling the spectacle, particularly following an early dismissal.
The rule has proved popular in the southern hemisphere, where it has been trialled in Super Rugby Pacific.
In addition to potentially expanding the use of a shot clock, which is currently used for penalties and conversions, unions and competition owners will be encouraged to stage further closed-law trials.
These include the ball being played after the maul has been stopped once, not twice, further protection of scrum-halves at the base of rucks and scrums and play on if a lineout is not straight but the throw is uncontested.
Meanwhile, a specialist working group will examine the impact of the lowering of the tackle height in community rugby in 2023 to consider its "appropriateness" for elite rugby.
The role of the television match official will also be evaluated, in addition to a review of how and when replacements are used.
World Rugby chairman Sir Bill Beaumont said in a statement: "Change is in rugby's DNA. Two hundred years ago we were born from a desire to change and we are harnessing that same spirit to excite the next generation of fans and players.
"The moves that we are making are grounded in our commitment to increasing relevance on a global basis and born from a desire to change for the better.
"That means being bold, embracing change by dialling up the entertainment value, making our stars more accessible and simplifying terminology and language used to explain rugby to those who are yet to fall in love with it.
"I look forward to the discussions."
World Rugby's council will consider a package of 'shape of the game' forum recommendations at its next meeting on May 9.
Some measures will take longer consideration.
Get Sky Sports on WhatsApp
You can now start receiving messages and alerts for the latest breaking sports news, analysis, in-depth features and videos from our dedicated WhatsApp channel!
