Time restrictions on goal kicks, set pieces and a streamlined TMO process are among a raft of fan-centric law innovations set to make Super Rugby Pacific faster in 2023.
Referees will enforce 90 seconds time limits on conversions, 60 seconds for penalty kicks, 30 seconds for scrums and lineouts to be set, and 5 seconds for the ball to be used at rucks.
Meanwhile TMOs will only interrupt play for serious, clear and obvious incidents of foul play when the Super Rugby Pacific 2023 season kicks off on Friday, 24 February.
Referees can utilise the TMO to make a yellow card decision, but any extended TMO video reviews will take place once the player has left the field, not before the yellow card is issued.
The TMO will have eight minutes to either uphold a yellow card decision or upgrade it to a 20-minute red card, in which case the player will not return to the field, but can still be replaced.
Unlike in previous seasons of Super Rugby, referees will now also have the power to issue a full red card for deliberate foul play, in which case the player will not return to the field and cannot be replaced.
Super Rugby Pacific tournament director Matt Barlow said the law innovations agreed by teams and with the support of World Rugby were designed to make the game more entertaining for fans and safer and more enjoyable for players. “We want Super Rugby Pacific to be the most entertaining, innovative and fastest professional rugby competition in the world. We’ve listened to our fans and taken steps to reduce stoppages and video replays, increase flow and maintain the integrity of the competition and the safety of players in regard to yellow and red cards. “Players, coaches and referees are excited about these innovations, and we believe they will create a better fan experience both at the game and for those watching on television.” Barlow stressed player welfare would not be jeopardised by the law innovations.
“The review process for dangerous play will be as vigorous as ever and we believe TMOs will be able to make better judgements about the seriousness of foul play offences without the pressure of having to watch replays under stressful time constraints. There is also the addition of a stronger deterrent for deliberate foul play with the referee having the option of issuing a full Red Card.”
Photo: Dan Mullan – RFU/The RFU Collection via Getty Images
