World Rugby has announced that a series of law trials aimed at enhancing both fan and player experience have moved a step closer towards global adoption following successful trials and endorsement from the international federation’s Executive Board.

The proposed innovations align with World Rugby's mission to grow the sport's audience by making it more accessible and engaging, following the Shape of the Game forum held earlier this year.

The proposed changes, which are being trialled across several international and domestic competitions (including WXV, Pacific Nations Cup and The Rugby Championship), are designed to enhance the viewing and playing experience by promoting faster play, reducing stoppages, and supporting accurate and consistent match officiating.

Law amendments recommended to go to global trial 

  • Reduced conversion time: Conversion attempts limited to 60 seconds, aligning with penalty kicks and quickening game pace.
  • 30-second scrum and lineout limit: Scrums and lineouts must be set within 30 seconds, managed by the referee.
  • Marking inside the 22m line: Players can now mark the ball inside the 22-metre line from a restart, encouraging more contestable kick-offs.
  • Single-stop mauls: The ball must be played after one stoppage in a maul, improving game flow.
  • Play-on in uncontested lineouts: Play will continue if the ball is not thrown straight during uncontested lineouts, reducing unnecessary breaks.
  • Protection of the scrum-half: Enhanced protection for the scrum-half at scrums, rucks and mauls encourages fluid open play.

Positive feedback and game impact

With trials continuing across the globe, the World Rugby Executive Board unequivocally endorsed the programme, noting widespread approval from players, coaches, referees and fans alike, as well as statistics which strongly suggest a positive impact on the sport in line with the objective. Headline results include:

  • Increased ball-in-play time: Up by more than two minutes and 30 seconds, reaching more than 33 minutes per match.
  • Shorter total match time: Reduced by three-five minutes due to fewer stoppages.
  • Higher restart contestability: A 45 per cent increase in contestable restarts.
  • More dynamic mauls: A 10 per cent increase in ball-out time, with maul durations shortened by three seconds.
  • Fewer lineout infringements: Play on from not-straight throws led to increased lineout success and contestability.
  • Quicker set pieces and kicks: Scrum and lineout set-up times dropped, and goal kicks are 15 seconds faster.

Television Match Official protocol and simplified red card sanction process endorsed

The Executive Board also endorsed updates to the Television Match Official (TMO) protocol, empowering officials to spot clear infringements in the final phases before scoring. A simplified red card process featuring standardised sanctions and the ability to replace a red-carded player with another player after 20 minutes, was also supported for further elite game trialling after successful initial trials in World Rugby competitions.

Next steps

The trials will go out to union and region consultation ahead of the World Rugby Council meeting on 14 November. Subject to approval by the Council, World Rugby will work closely with member unions, competition owners and key stakeholders to finalise the timeline and processes for trial adoption at a global level with implementation from 1 January. 

World Rugby Chairman Sir Bill Beaumont said: “This is another important step forward for the Shape of the Game programme. As a package, these trials demonstrate our commitment to making rugby as enjoyable as possible for audiences, while maintaining the integrity and competitive nature of the game. The positive outcomes from the trials reinforce our belief that these adjustments will bring lasting benefits to both players and fans.”