World Rugby Drops New Laws and Tech for 2025 Six Nations
Yesterday at 03:06 PM
The Six Nations and Under-20 Championships are set to embrace the future of rugby, continuing the trend of innovation that thrilled fans during the 2024 year-end Tests. Here's what's in store:
Find your local Greene King and settle in for the 2025 Six Nations!
Referees Go 'On Mic': A Game-Changer
A standout success from last year's Tests was referees going 'on mic' to explain key decisions in real-time. This brought a new level of clarity to fans in the stadium and at home, creating a stronger connection to the action. Expect this feature to continue, bringing you even closer to the decisive moments.
Introducing 'Touchfinder': Tech Meets Tradition
Debuting in the Six Nations 2025 is 'Touchfinder', an evolution of Smart Ball technology. Designed to assist assistant referees, it precisely identifies where the ball crosses the touchline on kicks. Say goodbye to contentious touchline calls and hello to pinpoint accuracy.
New Global Law Trials: Approved and Rejected
On 14 November 2024, the World Rugby Council signed off on several new global law trials set to shake up the game from 2025. Here's what's in and what's not:
What's In:
- Faster Conversions: Kickers now have just 60 seconds to take their shot.
- Streamlined Lineouts: Teams must form the lineout within 30 seconds.
- Cleaner Set-Piece Play: New restrictions on player actions around rucks, mauls, and scrums to promote faster ball flow.
- Uncontested Lineouts: If the ball isn't thrown straight and there's no contest, play on.
What's Out (For Now):
- One-Stop Mauls
- Marks from Kick-Offs/Restarts
- 20-Minute Red Card Replacements (decision deferred to 2025)
Key Law Changes in Detail
Timings: Faster Play, Less Downtime
- Conversions: Kickers now have 60 seconds from when the try is awarded. Failure to comply? Kick disallowed.
- Lineouts: Teams have 30 seconds to form up. Take longer, and it's a free kick against you.
Cleaner Play at Set-Pieces
- Ruck (New Law 15.18): Players involved in the ruck cannot interfere with opponents within 1 metre who are attempting to play the ball. Penalty for infringers.
- Maul (New Law 16.18): Similar rules apply to mauls. Hands off within 1 metre!
- Scrum (Updated Law 19.30a): Scrum-halves must remain near the scrum tunnel and avoid sneaky positioning.
Lineout Not Straight: Keep the Game Moving
If the ball isn't thrown straight and the opposing team doesn't contest, play continues. If they do contest, they get the option of a scrum or lineout. A second crooked throw? Scrum to the original throwers.
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- Gabby Logan's rugby star son could represent THREE Six Nations teams
- Eddie Jones Bags Shock New Job Ahead of 2025 Six Nations
- Statement: Adam Radwan departs Newcastle Falcons with immediate effect
- 40 Greatest England Rugby players in history: Ranked
Six Nations stadium rankings: Every ground ranked from worst to best
The Six Nations is as much about iconic stadiums as it is about world-class rugby. These venues are steeped in history, buzzing with atmosphere, and uniquely tied to their host nations. But which one truly reigns supreme?
We turned to TripAdvisor for the cold, hard verdict, pairing unbiased ratings with a bit of stadium backstory to give you the ultimate ranking. Here's everything you need to know about the Six Nations' homes – plus, cast your vote for your favourite at the end!
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6. Stadio Olimpico (Italy) – 4.09
Capacity: 70,634
Location: Rome, Italy
Opened: 1953
The bio: Italy's national stadium wasn't originally designed for rugby – its primary purpose was athletics and football. But since Italy joined the Six Nations in 2000, the Stadio Olimpico has been its home, offering fans the chance to watch rugby under the shadow of Rome's stunning architecture. Despite its historic charm, the stadium's track and distance from the pitch have drawn criticism for hindering the atmosphere.
GOOD REVIEW: "Came here for the rugby, my first international game and I was not disappointed. Lovely stadium, lots of entertainment outside and inside the stadium, not ripped off for food and drinks, everyone was friendly, and the atmosphere was electrifying."
BAD REVIEW: "It’s unbelievable that this is the main stadium in Rome. It’s old, dirty, and uncomfortable, and even 3rd division clubs in the UK have better facilities."
5. Stade de France (France) – 4.24
Capacity: 81,338
Location: Saint-Denis, Paris, France
Opened: 1998
The bio: Built for the 1998 FIFA World Cup, the Stade de France is the largest stadium in the Six Nations and hosts both football and rugby. Known for its impressive size and acoustics, it's an intimidating fortress when Les Bleus are on form. However, some fans feel the sheer size of the stadium and hostile atmosphere for visiting supporters detract from its charm.
GOOD REVIEW: "I'm an American, and some of the reviews for this stadium, in my opinion, do not do it justice. It is as good as some of the best US sports stadiums. I thought it was great."
BAD REVIEW: "This venue is not suitable for visiting fans. The atmosphere is hostile to say the least and therefore particularly unsuitable for families."
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