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World Rugby wants to introduce a law that makes it easier for colour blind people to watch red-green kit clashes in international matches, but accepts its jurisdiction is so far limited to the World Cup in SIX YEARS’ time.
The move, which will help people with colour vision deficiency (CVD), is set to impact on Wales and Ireland’s ability to wear their customary red and green jerseys respectively, should they go head-to-head at the 2027 tournament.
Research indicates more than 300 million people globally have some form of colour-blindness, with men particularly affected. Approximately one in twelve men have the condition, compared to one in 200 women. World Rugby are reportedly working with international organisation Colour Blind Awareness to devise a plan of action.
“From our perspective, if you’re potentially limiting 8 per cent of your male audience, that’s a huge huge number of people who are suddenly switching off,” World Rugby’s research, turf and equipment manager Marc Douglas told the UK’s i newspaper.
Given those statistics also point to there being between one and three players on average per international rugby squad with the condition, the move will assist colour-blind players as well as fans.
Johnny Sexton (Photo by Charles McQuillan/Getty Images)
Former Scotland great Mike Blair, who earned 85 international caps, believes World Rugby’s move is a step towards raising awareness of and normalising CVD issues.
“Colour blindness is largely misunderstood and the challenges for those who play, coach, officiate and support our sport is often overlooked,” Blair told the i.
“As someone who experiences those challenges first hand, I am delighted that World Rugby have launched comprehensive guidance for all levels of the game that place visually-impaired considerations at the heart of our decision-making.
“Through this guidance, we hope to raise awareness and change culture through positive actions.”
Complaints from fans after the Ireland-Wales match at this year’s Six Nations tournament have prompted the organisation to instigate the change. However, as terms of participation have already been agreed upon for the 2023 World Cup, they have no authority to force the two nations into avoiding a red-green jersey clash beyond asking nicely.
World Rugby also has no jurisdiction over the Six Nations tournament, meaning red-green clashes could still occur there moving forward.
The issues don’t solely affect Ireland and Wales, with reports of fan difficulties during this year’s British and Irish Lions tour of South Africa. The Lions, of course, wear predominantly red while the Springboks feature their iconic green strip.
Douglas hopes the sporting body’s move will encourage other sports, and the game in general, to follow suit.
“Hopefully by the time Rugby World Cup 2027 comes round, this is the norm,” he told the i.
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.