Law changes confirmed for 1 July

• IFOK offsides, Crocodile roll ban and no scrum from FK all confirmed by WR Council
• Streamlined discipline process and 20 min red card replacement to be trialed in WR competitions in summer 2024 with other law variations

The World Rugby Council has approved a small package of law amendments that will come into effect from 1 July, 2024.

They relate to offside from kicks in open play, the options available from a free-kick and removal of the practice of ‘crocodile rolling’ a player away from the tackle/ruck area, are aimed at promoting ball in flow and diversity of attacking options, while supporting player welfare.

Three law amendments

• Onside from kicks in open play: In a rewrite of Law 10.7 relating to players being put onside from kicks in open play, it will no longer be possible for a player to be put onside when an opposition player catches the ball and runs five metres, or passes the ball. Laws 10.1 and 10.4 will make clear that offside players must make an attempt to retreat, creating space for the opposition team to play. This should reduce the amount of kick tennis in the game.
• Free-kicks: Under Law 20, it will no longer be possible to choose a scrum from a free-kick. Free-kicks must either be tapped or kicked to encourage more ball in flow.
• Banning the ‘crocodile roll’: The action of rolling/twisting/pulling of a player on their feet in the tackle area (the ‘crocodile roll’) will be outlawed, sanctioned by a penalty.

Closed law trials

A suite of six closed law trials that will operate across World Rugby-run competitions from 1 July, 2024, including the World Rugby U20 Championship, U20 Trophy and Pacific Nations Cup. A full review of their effectiveness will be presented to the Executive Board in November to inform decisions regarding wider implementation.

• Revised on- and off-field sanctions process increasing simplicity, consistency and fan understanding. This features the combination of strong automatic off-field red card sanctions and the ability to replace a red-carded player after 20 minutes.
• Introduction of the 30-second shot clock for scrum and lineout setting and a maximum of 60 seconds for conversions [a reduction of 30 seconds] aligning with the time permitted for penalty kicks at goal.
• Protection of the nine at the base of the scrum, ruck and at the maul – The nine will not be able to be played while the ball is still near a tackle, ruck or maul, and the offside line at the scrum for the non-putting in scrum-half will be the middle of the tunnel.
• Ability to mark the ball inside the 22m line from a restart, promoting attacking options.
• The ball must be played after the maul has been stopped once, not twice.
• Play on at a lineout if ball not thrown straight but only if lineout is uncontested, aiding the flow of the game.

Action plan roll-out continues

This is the latest element in a roll-out of the Shape of the Game action plan following a big meeting in March. There was the Law Application Guideline in March, and future law innovation will be looked at in specialist working groups and new rugby law labs Recommendations will be made to Council in November.

World Rugby Chairman, Sir Bill Beaumont said, “I would like to thank my colleagues from across the game for embracing the spirit of this comprehensive review of rugby’s entertainment factor. With calendar certainty, including new competitions and all men’s and women’s Rugby World Cups set through to 2033, our major events are defined, our content set.

“There is unprecedented long-term certainty, and this work is vital to ensuring that the on-field product is befitting of the opportunities that we have in front of us, a superb sport that is enjoyable to play and watch and helps attract a new generation to get into rugby.

“Personally, I believe that the law amendments and suite of closed trials will add to the entertainment factor. As with all trials, we will comprehensively review their effectiveness and take feedback from across the game. The revised red card sanction process is such an example, and it is important that we trial, assess and make definitive decisions based on data and feedback.”

Listen to the Advantage Over podcast episode about the law change process here