SA Rugby feels like World Rugby is punishing Springboks
Today at 09:03 AM
SA Rugby CEO Rian Oberholzer has subtly spoken out against some of the latest World Rugby law variations and changes.
World Rugby, the game’s international governing body, has recently revealed that a series of law changes have moved a step closer towards global adoption, with a key focus area seemingly revolving around a desire to "enhance the viewing and playing experience by promoting faster play, reducing stoppages, and supporting accurate and consistent match officiating".
SA RUGBY SPEAKS OUT AGAINST LAW CHANGES
Speaking at the first official Springbok press conference of the season – held at SA Rugby’s offices in the affluent Plattekloof neighbourhood in Cape Town’s northern suburbs – Oberholzer cleared up the common misconception between the implementation of law variations and law changes.
"There are no [law] changes for this season," he said.
"There are still some [law] variations we are working through. I must say, it's sometimes difficult sitting in the meetings. Certain countries are against it whilst others support it.
The SA Rugby chief then suggested that while various law affect the Springboks immediately, it does like a targeted attempt to weaken the world champions.
"Like I said – there won't be any changes that will affect Rassie and the team preparing for the 2027 World Cup."
"For this season there are no [law] changes that will affect the team. We will probably see serious law changes post the 2027 World Cup again.
"They're [World Rugby] putting it under the banner of making the game more attractive. The 20-minute red card got a lot of discussion again.
"It feels that when you become world champion, you get punished by World Rugby with certain law changes they're suggesting,” the SA Rugby CEO concluded.
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