- Video
-
Club Roar
Captured a great grassroots sporting moment? We want to see it!Content Collections
The Roar Community
- Join
- Login
Two referees will officiate together during New Zealand’s national provincial championship next year as part of a World Rugby trial of proposed rule changes.
Under the proposed law variations reportedly sanctioned for testing by World Rugby, the offside line will be changed at the breakdown to one metre behind the last feet, there will be two referees on the field, the ‘through the gate’ law at the tackle and ruck will be abolished, and the tackler has to come from an onside position to attack the ball.
Proposed World Rugby law changes according to Stuff.co.nz:
1. Two on-field referees
2. Removal of the ‘gate’ entry at the breakdown
3. Tackler and arriving players can enter from midpoint of breakdown as long as they come from an onside position
4. Tackler no longer has 360-degree rights to the ball
5. Offside lines now one metre behind hindmost foot at breakdown
The second referee will reportedly be tasked primarily with policing the new offside line, while the main official will focus on the simplified breakdown area.
The ‘gate’ will reportedly be removed as a rule, and the rights of the tackler, but not the arriving player, will be lessened in the tackle.
Tacklers will have to come from an on-side position if they want to have rights to the ball, while arriving players won’t have to come through the gate, instead just needing to arrive from an on-side position.
There will also be a change to the interpretation and terminology of the breakdown, with it called a breakdown, not a ruck.
‘In the side’ penalties will be a thing of the past, with the idea for the laws being to encourage counter rucking rather than attempting to pilfer.
What do you think of the proposed changes Roarers?
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.