Welfare-focused rugby law trials to be implemented globally

Supporting the priority mission of head impact reduction and in line with the international federation’s six-point welfare action plan announced today, four of the five trials that will be implemented have an underlying focus on potential welfare advancements across the game.

The trials, approved by the World Rugby Executive Committee after detailed examination by the specialist Law Review Group* and High Performance Rugby Committee, follow widespread consultation with stakeholders across the sport, including players, coaches and competitions. Confirmation of the global trials represents a key step in World Rugby’s quadrennial law review process**.

The trials include two that have been operational in pilot trial environments – the goal-line drop out, which has been seen in Super Rugby Trans-Tasman and the Rainbow Cup – and the 50:22, which was most recently operational in Super Rugby AU. Both have the potential to increase space and decrease defensive line speed, which in turn could have welfare benefits.

Three trials focus specifically on reducing injury risk at the breakdown following detailed evaluation by a specialist Breakdown Working Group***. The first will see the introduction of sanctioning of clear-outs which target the lower limbs. The second will outlaw the practice of multi-player (three or more) pre-bound pods. The third area will tighten the definition of what is permissible in the practice of one-player latching.

Read more via World Rugby