Law Change Everyone Demanded After Rugby World Cup Final Has Been Implemented Worldwide

10/08/2024 11:12 AM

The Rugby World Cup final was overshadowed by a controversial red card shown to All Blacks captain Sam Cane. Fans and pundits alike reignited the call for the introduction of the “20-minute red card” rule to prevent match-altering moments from entirely swinging the balance of the game.

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World Rugby Confirms Global Adoption

Following widespread discussion, World Rugby has now confirmed that the 20-minute red card rule, previously trialed in Super Rugby, will be adopted globally. The decision has been met with both anticipation and relief by fans, who hope it will bring a more balanced approach to in-game discipline.

Incident at Stade de France

The pivotal moment in the World Cup final came when Cane made contact with South Africa's Jesse Kriel, with his shoulder hitting Kriel's head. Initially, referee Wayne Barnes issued a yellow card, sending Cane to the sin-bin. However, after review by the bunker system, this was upgraded to a red card—prompting outrage among some fans.

Origins of the 20-Minute Red Card

The concept of the 20-minute red card was first trialed in Super Rugby, aimed at providing a compromise between upholding the game's rules and avoiding the severe disadvantage of playing a man down for the remainder of the match. Under the rule, a red-carded player would be sidelined for 20 minutes, after which a substitute could replace him.

Fan Reaction to Cane’s Dismissal

Cane's sending off ignited a wave of fan responses, with many suggesting the 20-minute red card could have changed the game. One fan wrote, "Need to get some southern innovation and bring in the 20-minute red card – that way a decision like this won't ruin the whole game."

Another added, "Red card should be 20 minutes."

"A different red card option is 20 minutes off, then a replacement player can come on. Better for the game & offender still suspended etc.," a third fan commented.

Law amendments recommended to go to global trial  

• Reduced conversion time: Conversion attempts limited to 60 seconds, aligning with penalty kicks and quickening game pace.
• 30-second scrum and lineout limit: Scrums and lineouts must be set within 30 seconds, managed by the referee.
• Marking inside the 22m line: Players can now mark the ball inside the 22-metre line from a restart, encouraging more contestable kick-offs.
• Single-stop mauls: The ball must be played after one stoppage in a maul, improving game flow.
• Play-on in uncontested lineouts: Play will continue if the ball is not thrown straight during uncontested lineouts, reducing unnecessary breaks.
• Protection of the scrum-half: Enhanced protection for the scrum-half at scrums, rucks and mauls encourages fluid open play.

Positive feedback and game impact

With trials continuing across the globe, the World Rugby Executive Board unequivocally endorsed the programme, noting widespread approval from players, coaches, referees and fans alike, as well as statistics which strongly suggest a positive impact on the sport in line with the objective. Headline results include:

• Increased ball-in-play time: Up by more than two minutes and 30 seconds, reaching more than 33 minutes per match.
• Shorter total match time: Reduced by three-five minutes due to fewer stoppages.
• Higher restart contestability: A 45 per cent increase in contestable restarts.
• More dynamic mauls: A 10 per cent increase in ball-out time, with maul durations shortened by three seconds.
• Fewer lineout infringements: Play on from not-straight throws led to increased lineout success and contestability.
• Quicker set pieces and kicks: Scrum and lineout set-up times dropped, and goal kicks are 15 seconds faster.

Television Match Official protocol and simplified red card sanction process endorsed 

The Executive Board also endorsed updates to the Television Match Official (TMO) protocol, empowering officials to spot clear infringements in the final phases before scoring. A simplified red card process featuring standardised sanctions and the ability to replace a red-carded player after 20 minutes, was also supported after successful initial trials in World Rugby competitions.

Next steps

The trials will go out to union and region consultation ahead of the World Rugby Council meeting on 14 November. Subject to approval by the Council, World Rugby will work closely with member unions, competition owners and key stakeholders to finalise the timeline and processes for global adoption.

World Rugby Chairman Sir Bill Beaumont said: "This is another important step forward for the Shape of the Game programme. As a package, these trials demonstrate our commitment to making rugby as enjoyable as possible for audiences, while maintaining the integrity and competitive nature of the game. The positive outcomes from the trials reinforce our belief that these adjustments will bring lasting benefits to both players and fans."

The Three Richest Couples in World Rugby

Rugby has produced some of the most iconic athletes in the sporting world, but for a select few, success on the pitch has also led to immense wealth off it.

From high-profile marriages to lucrative endorsements and television appearances, these rugby stars have built financial empires.

Here's a look at three couples who have combined their sporting legacies with fame and fortune, amassing millions along the way.

Mike and Zara Tindall – £20m

Mike Tindall is known not just for his rugby prowess but for his royal connections. As the husband of Zara Phillips, the granddaughter of Queen Elizabeth II, Tindall has become a prominent figure in British media.

Nicknamed "The Fridge" due to his imposing physique, Tindall was a stalwart on the rugby field, famously breaking his nose at least eight times over the course of his career. Since retiring from the sport, he's made a name for himself in the entertainment world, appearing on popular reality shows such as I'm a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here, Bear Grylls: Mission Survive, The Jump, Shark Cage, Celebrity Poker Club, and All-Star Poker Challenge.

Despite his success in sports and entertainment, Tindall's wealth has been largely bolstered by his royal ties, with his net worth estimated at £20 million, according to British media.

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