New Rule Variations to Fast-Track Next Rugby Championship

The upcoming Rugby Championship introduces new regulations aimed at speeding up gameplay and offering lighter penalties for certain red card offenses. The changes include reduced times for conversions, kick-offs, and scrums, as well as more protection for the scrumhalf. The tournament begins on Saturday in Brisbane and Wellington.

The upcoming edition of the Rugby Championship will feature several law variations aimed at speeding the game up and offering softer punishments for certain red card offences, governing body SANZAAR announced.

The competition kicks off on Saturday, with Australia hosting world champions South Africa in Brisbane, followed by New Zealand welcoming Argentina to Wellington.

Under the new regulations, some red card offences will see a player sent to the sin bin for 20 minutes, after which they can be replaced by a teammate. If the foul play is deemed deliberate and dangerous, the team will play with one less player for the remainder of the match.

To accelerate gameplay, kickers now have 60 seconds, down from 90, to complete a conversion or penalty kick. Scrums must be set within 30 seconds of the referee's mark, otherwise a free-kick is awarded against the delay-causing team.

Teams now have 30 seconds to form a lineout or face a free-kick, while skewed throws that aren't contested won't be penalized. Additional protection is provided to the scrumhalf by creating more space between them and defenders during set-pieces.

(With inputs from agencies.)