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Experimental law changes considered for Australian Super Rugby competition

(Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images)

Rugby Australia are weighing up whether to implement any of World Rugby’s 10 optional temporary law amendments designed to help reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission, in their upcoming domestic Super Rugby competition.

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World Rugby’s executive committee has approved the optional law trials which cover scrum, tackle, ruck and maul situations.

The trials, underpinned by World Health Organisation guidance, were considered by a specialist Law Review Group consisting of coaches, players, match officials, medics and law specialists following the detailed analysis of 60 matches.

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Unions can apply to implement one or more of the temporary law amendments as domestic trials in line with the world governing body’s return to play guidance.

The NRC would normally be the Australian competition used to trial changes.

But with the backlog of fixtures and delays caused by the coronavirus pandemic, it is unlikely to go ahead this year.

RA will have more discussions about which, if any, of the World Rugby recommendations may be implemented for their Super Rugby tournament once the proposed competition is approved by their broadcast partner Fox Sports.

They would also need to get the approval of SANZAAR, the organisation which runs Super Rugby.

It is considered unlikely that SANZAAR would object to changes for a domestic tournament.

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The four Australian Super Rugby sides plus the Western Force will participate in the competition, which has been provisionally pencilled in for July 3 to September 19, pending broadcasting approval.

Japan’s Sunwolves were also being considered for inclusion, but confirmation that they are unable to participate is expected soon.

In addition to the on-field law trials, a number of hygiene measures are recommended for playing and training.

These include mandatory hand and face sanitisation before and after the match and regular sanitisation of the match ball.

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There would be single-use water bottles, kit changing at halftime, a ban on huddles and celebrations, while spitting and nose clearance is also discouraged.

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R
RedWarrior 48 minutes ago
Records show All Blacks' greatest rugby adversary is now Ireland

Foster was literally whinging about the TMO in the Ireland series in the presser AFTER the RWC final. NZs whinging about the final itself was apparently picked up by Voyager 2 which was near the asteroid belt. What about the whingefest and crybabies after O'Mahony's legendary sledge (during the match) on Sam Cane?


I often hear talk about NZ players being poisoned or similar nonsense during the 1995 final. NZ boast that they are 'superstars' and 'humble heroes' on their own website. You gave England the same treatment in 2002-2003, calling them arrogant just because they beat you. They told the rest of us then what you were like, we should have listened. I would give as much credence to a NZ supporter disliking us, as I would to Krusty the clown saying the same thing. Let's just say your judgement may not be the best.


Regarding 2016, as the referee had basically let NZ away with cheating their way to victory via filthy dangerous play and fouling he was hardly going to pull Sexton up when clearly trying to stop a grounding. NZ always leave the boot or arm in to hurt a try scorer but that seems to be invisible to you entitles lot.


BTW NZ have literally being whinging and crying about Ireland since Soldier field. You are just very bad losers. We will be delighted to be shot of you on Friday. I hope we do so with a win, so that you rethink your philosophy of mocking opponents and spectators you've just beaten.


After the match last Saturday the internet was full of Kiwi supporters basically abusing English folk. Where is your national honour? Where is your national integrity?

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