New Zealand is to extend the 20-minute red card replacement throughout the community game for the 2024 and 2025 seasons.
The trial sees a player who has received a red card replaced after 20 minutes by another player. If a player receives a second Yellow Card which equates to an automatic red card, after a further 20 minutes, the red-carded player can be replaced. In either case, the player sent off is not allowed to return and faces the usual disciplinary process.
Supported by the 26 Provincial Unions, New Zealand Rugby (NZR) has confirmed that the innovation will apply to all levels of the community game in New Zealand, including club and school.
NZR General Manager Community Rugby Steve Lancaster said the decision affirmed the ongoing commitment to safety and positive player experiences at the grassroots.
“This is the first community trial for this innovation anywhere in the world and we’re proud that New Zealand continues to lead in finding ways to create a safer game that our participants love to play.
“We believe that this innovation suitably deals with the offending player, whilst also preserving the competition and experience for teams, coaches, spectators and referees.”
Trial extended
NZR first introduced the 20-minute red card to Super Rugby in 2020 to appropriately manage foul play without impacting the integrity of the match. Since then, it has successfully featured in Super Rugby Pacific, Sky Super Rugby Aupiki, the Rugby Championship and NZ’s Provincial Rugby competitions.
Lancaster added that alignment across the professional and community games was a strength of New Zealand rugby. “We know our fans and community participants want a game that’s exciting and puts them at the centre of decision making. Our view is that we can continue to trial these types of innovations and contribute to the overall global evolution of the game.”
Four trials community rugby game innovations
After successful trials in 2023, NZR confirmed in December last year that the reduced tackle height to below the sternum, a maximum scrum push for all community rugby (excluding senior premier club rugby) and half back offside at the scrum would all be implemented.
2024 and 2025 community rugby game innovations:
- Reduced tackle height to below the sternum targeting the belly area for all community rugby grades
The first tackler must tackle below the sternum and target the belly area. The second tackler can legally tackle below the shoulders in accordance with current rugby law. - Halfback offside at scrum for all community rugby grades
The halfback of the team that has not won possession in a scrum, must not advance past the tunnel until the scrum has ended. If they opt to stay in a position in front of their Number-8’s feet, they must stay within 1m of the scrum. - Maximum 1.5 metre scrum push (unless a 5m scrum) for all community rugby, excluding senior premier club rugby grades
- Small Blacks rugby at U12 and U13s = a maximum 0.5 metre scrum push
- Teenage rugby = maximum 1.5 metre scrum push regardless of location.
- Red card replacement – If a player receives a Red Card, they may be replaced after 20 minutes by another player
A big fat No.
Red cards mean that your team have to play a man short
20 minutes means that they just won’t attack for 20 minutes.
Red card is the Refs ultimate weapon!!
No No and thrice times No !!