World Rugby makes 3 rule changes effective from July

From 1 July 2024 this will change. World Rugby, coinciding with the Summer Test Matches, the Summer Nations Series, will definitively introduce 3 changes to the regulations in order, we read from the official document, “to make the game safer and more attractive with the desire to favor offensive play by having the ball in play for as long as possible.”

Read also, Summer Nations Series: the test match calendar for June and July

World Rugby makes 3 rule changes effective from July

– Players onside or offside from an “open” football situation: in foot battles from one side of the pitch to the other, the players who are in offside they can no longer be put back into play when – as now – the player who receives the ball travels five meters forward or passes the ball to a teammate (the so-called Dupont Law). To get back “into the game” and not be considered offside they will have to make an attempt to go back, creating playing spaces for the receiving team. This should reduce the amount of “rugby ping-pong”.

Read also What is the Dupont Law that everyone is talking about?

– Elimination of the option to choose “scrum” on a free free kick: after obtaining a free kick you will no longer be able to ask for a “scrum”. The options remain the play with the foot or the touch of the ball to start a hand action, to favor a greater flow of the game.

– “Crocodile roll”: is officially recognized as a dangerous and foul action twist or the rotation of the player in a contested position in the ruck. Anyone who does so will be punished with a penalty against him and the team to which he belongs.

Read also: From Ben Curry to Michela Sillari: when the “crocodile roll” becomes dangerous

Furthermore, World Rugby has informed that, in some competitions, such as the World Rugby U20 Championship, U20 Trophy and the Pacific Nations Cup, another 6 trials will be carried out which, if subsequently approved, could become definitive already in the autumn window of the November Tests . We talk about:

– Experimentation on the use of “automatic” sanctions and timed expulsions (20 minute red card).

– 30 second Shot Clock for setting up the scrum and constructing throw-ins and a maximum of 60 seconds for conversions, with a reduction of 30 seconds compared to what is currently foreseen, aligning the timing with that of free kicks.

– Protection for scrum-halves near scrums, rucks and mauls: the actions of the number 9 cannot be challenged by opponents if he is near scrums, rucks or mauls. In the event of a scrum, the offside line for the opposing number 9 will be set exactly in the middle of the scrum itself.

– Ability to call a mark inside their own 22 meters directly from the kick-off, to promote more offensive actions

– The ball must be played after the first stop of the maul (and not after the second as currently happens)

– Continuation of the game in the event of a crooked throw in a throw-in, provided that the throw-in is not contested by the two teams

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