Statement: World Rugby announces four rugby law changes for 2025 Six Nations

01/02/2025 02:38 AM

For 2025, introducing a set of fresh laws designed to make the game faster, more exciting, and totally binge-worthy for fans.

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From quick-fire conversions to law tweaks at the line-out and ruck, here's everything you need to know about rugby's latest facelift from World Rugby. Let's break it down!

60 Seconds or Bust! Kickers, better watch the clock! Starting in 2025, you’ve got just 60 seconds to nail your conversions, syncing up with the penalty kick rules. No more dawdling—fans want the action to keep rolling.

Crooked Throws Get a Free Pass Line-out not straight? No worries, as long as the opposition isn't contesting it. Officials will also speed things up, making sure line-outs are set within 30 seconds. Say goodbye to endless line-out resets!

Scrum-Halves Get VIP Treatment Scrum-halves, it's your time to shine! New protections at scrums, mauls, and rucks aim to keep you safe and the ball moving at lightning speed. The faster you play, the more the fans love it!

Blame It on France Why now, you ask? The 2023 World Cup in France was a kicking-fest, and fans weren’t impressed. World Rugby listened, and after testing these rules at the Pacific Nations Cup and the U20 World Championship, they’re ready to shake things up.

20-Minute Red Cards: Hot Topic The most divisive rule? The 20-minute red card. Sent off for a non-deliberate foul? Your team will only be down a player for 20 minutes before sending on a sub. It's in use for the Autumn Nations Series but won't become official until 2025—if at all.

France and Ireland Throw the Book at It France and Ireland aren’t happy about this one. France argues it risks player safety, while Ireland wants to keep permanent reds for serious fouls. World Rugby is holding off, waiting for more data and feedback before deciding.

Scrapped Ideas That Didn't Fly Not every rule tweak survived the testing phase. The single-stop maul rule? Scrapped. The idea of marking the ball from restarts inside the 22? Gone. Turns out, some experiments just weren’t worth keeping.

2025: A New Era or a Missed Conversion? Only time will tell if these changes make rugby faster, more entertaining, and fan-approved. One thing's for sure: World Rugby is ready to roll the dice!

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• All Blacks Legend Became First New Zealand Rugby Star to Come Out as Gay

Rugby’s Five Richest Couples:

5. Johnny and Laura Sexton – £6m

Together since their teens, Johnny Sexton and his wife Laura are one of rugby's wealthiest couples. Known for their close-knit family, with three children often seen pitchside, the Sextons met at Rathgar Tennis Club and tied the knot in 2013. From Dublin's Saint Mary's College to University College Dublin, Johnny and Laura have been through it all. Their story, filled with love and commitment, has captivated fans just as much as Johnny's rugby career.

4. Siya and Rachel Kolisi – £10m

With an empire worth an estimated £10 million, Siya and Rachel Kolisi were not just a power couple but partners in philanthropy. Known for their foundation and work in communities, the couple planned to keep collaborating on their projects, even as they transition to a new chapter. Siya recently rejoined the Sharks in South Africa after a stint with French side Racing, but despite their split, Rachel remains the “rock” Siya has always called her.

Though the Kolisis' marriage may be over, their legacy as one of South Africa's most-loved couples will continue to inspire fans across the globe.

3. 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.

2. Jonny and Shelley Wilkinson – £22m

Jonny Wilkinson is a legendary figure in English rugby, with a career spanning 12 seasons at Newcastle Falcons before his move to French club Toulon in 2009. Wilkinson cemented his place in history by leading England to victory in the 2003 Rugby World Cup, becoming a national hero in the process.

In his personal life, Wilkinson has kept a lower profile. He married his long-time girlfriend, Shelley Jenkins, in a private ceremony on the French Riviera in October 2013. The couple now has a son, reportedly named James, and maintain a relatively private family life. Wilkinson’s net worth stands at £22 million, making him one of rugby’s wealthiest figures.

1. Sonny Bill and Alana Williams – £20m

Sonny Bill Williams is a sporting icon from New Zealand, famed not only for his rugby achievements but also for his ventures into boxing. Known for his versatility, Williams has excelled in both rugby union and rugby league, playing as a centre and second-rower, respectively. Additionally, his brief yet successful stint in professional boxing saw him win nine out of 10 heavyweight bouts.

In 2013, Williams married Alana Raffie after a whirlwind four-week romance, following Islamic traditions despite admitting that they were not in love at the time. Their union has since become one of the most talked-about in sports. With a combination of earnings from rugby, boxing, and endorsements, the couple’s net worth is reported to be around £20 million.

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