Northern Edition

Select Edition

Northern Northern
Southern Southern
Global Global
New Zealand New Zealand
France France

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.

ADVERTISEMENT

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.

Video Spacer

In conversation with Schalk Burger

Video Player is loading.
Current Time 0:00
Duration 0:00
Loaded: 0%
Stream Type LIVE
Remaining Time 0:00
 
1x
    • Chapters
    • descriptions off, selected
    • captions off, selected
      Video Spacer

      In conversation with Schalk Burger

      Watch as Dean Allen interviews the legend that is Schalk Burger

      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.

      ADVERTISEMENT

      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.

      ADVERTISEMENT

      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.

      ADVERTISEMENT

      HSBC SVNS Singapore 2025 | Day Two Men's Highlights

      HSBC SVNS Singapore 2025 | Day Two Women's Highlights

      Jet Lag: The biggest challenge facing international sports? | The Report

      Boks Office | Episode 39 | The Investec Champions Cup is back

      Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry? | New Zealand & Australia | Sevens Wonders | Episode 5

      Kobelco Kobe Steelers vs Toshiba Brave Lupus Tokyo | Japan Rugby League One 2024/25 | Full Match Replay

      The Rise of Kenya | The Report

      The Fixture: How This Rugby Rivalry Has Lasted 59 Years

      Trending on RugbyPass

      Comments

      0 Comments
      Be the first to comment...

      Join free and tell us what you really think!

      Sign up for free
      ADVERTISEMENT

      Latest Features

      Comments on RugbyPass

      TRENDING
      TRENDING Rugby fans level same reproach at Henry Pollock following Castres game Rugby fans level same reproach at Henry Pollock following Castres game
      Search