Details have come to light over a new form of five-a-side rugby set to be launched in 2020 with hopes of ‘revolutionising’ the game.
World Rugby has apparently approved the plan for a new format, named ‘Rugby X’, that will see five-a-side games played in an indoor arena aimed at encouraging high-paced, attacking play.
Matches played on artificial pitches are expected to be 10 minutes in length, with no half-time, revealed The Times. An international tournament in London could take place this year, while five tournaments around the world are planned for 2020.
Ben Ryan, the former England and Fiji Sevens coach, has been involved in developing the new format, and tweeted about his excitement for such a concept.
Really grateful to have all the key stakeholders see the huge benefit of this version as both a great spectacle to bring in new fans but also as a great entry point for attracting new players to get the rugby bug whilst retaining all the fundamentals. https://t.co/E7fHYxX5nA
— Ben Ryan (@benjaminryan) February 5, 2019
Photo: World Rugby/World Rugby via Getty Images
