Adapted 20-minute red card rule set for Autumn internationals amid backlash – as rugby chiefs trial countdown clocks and ‘on mic’ referee explanations
- A range of new laws will be trialled at next month’s autumn internationals
- Referees can show permanent red cards or a 20-minute penalty for violations
- Countdown clocks will be introduced for scrums, lineouts and kicks on goal
World Rugby will trial a new 20-minute red card in the Autumn Nations Series next month as part of a number of rule changes to try to simplify the game and also make it more fun.
Dangerous and deliberate foul play is still punishable by a straight red card, but if the foul play is deemed accidental, the player can be sent to the sin bin for 20 minutes, after which he must be replaced by a substitute. Test dismissals have increased exponentially in recent years as referees have tried to curb dangerous play to protect the players’ welfare.
However, it is said that too often teams go back to 14 players, which ruins matches. It is hoped that if someone can replace the offending player after 20 minutes, the matches can maintain their balance. This variation on the process differs from the standalone 20-minute red card proposal due to be discussed later this year and which has already been criticized by French rugby bosses.
In another rule change, referees will be able to ‘go on the mic’ for the first time and explain decisions over the stadium’s loudspeakers or to fans watching on television at home.
Other new bills include countdown clocks for scrums, lineouts and kicks on goal. Kickers now have just 60 seconds to complete a conversion, from the moment a try is scored.
Referees can choose a permanent red card for foul play or a twenty-minute sanction
French rugby bosses have already criticized the standalone proposal for a 20-minute red card
If a player exceeds this time limit, the conversion kick will not be allowed. One minute is also awarded for a penalty on goal.
When the penalty attempt expires, a scrum is awarded to the non-kicking team at the spot of the penalty kick.
Further changes to try to speed up the pace of play will require scrums and lineouts to be set within 30 seconds or a free kick will be awarded to the opponent.
England’s autumn international calendar begins with a highly anticipated match against New Zealand on November 2, followed by Australia, South Africa and Japan on subsequent weekends at the Allianz Stadium, Twickenham’s new name.
Wales will face Fiji, Australia and South Africa, while Scotland will face the same three teams as Portugal. Ireland, number 1 in the world, plays against the All Blacks, Argentina, Fiji and Australia.