Proposed Law Changes

EDIT - RTE Posted the proposed rule changes in text format, so rmeoved the photos and added them below. These are rules World Rugby want to trial in 2017.I like the idea of most of these, though they are narrower in scope than the ELVs.


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Law 3 Number of Players
Uncontested scrums as a result of a sending off, temporary suspension or injury must be played with eight players per side.

Reasoning: To discourage teams from going to uncontested scrums.

Law 5 Time
If a penalty is kicked into touch after time has elapsed without touching another player, the referee allows the throw-in to be taken and play continues until the next time the ball becomes dead.

Reasoning: To discourage teams from infringing in the dying moments of the game.

Law 8 Advantage
When there are multiple penalty infringements by the same team, the referee may allow the captain of the non-offending team to choose the most advantageous of the penalty marks.

Reasoning: To discourage repeat offending when advantage is already being played and to reward teams against whom repeat offending has taken place.

Law 9 Method of Scoring
Penalty Try. If a player would probably have scored a try but for foul play by an opponent, a penalty try is awarded. No conversion is attempted. Value: 7 points

Reasoning: To discourage teams from illegally preventing a probable try from being scored while also saving time on the clock by negating the need for a conversion.

Law 19 Touch and Lineout
A player who is attempting to bring the ball under control is deemed to be in possession of the ball.

Reasoning: This brings into law something that is already applied in practice. It means that a player "juggling” the ball does not have to be in contact with it at the exact moment of touching the touchline or the ground beyond it for the ball to be deemed to be in touch. This makes it easier for the match officials to adjudicate.



Amend eighth definition: If a player jumps and knocks the ball back into the playing area (or if that player catches the ball and throws it back into the playing area) before landing in touch or touch-in-goal, play continues regardless of whether the ball reaches the plane of touch.

Reasoning: To simplify law and to increase ball-in-play time.

Add to definitions: If the ball-carrier reaches the plane of touch but returns the ball to the playing area without first landing in touch, play continues.

Reasoning: To simplify law and to increase ball-in-play time.

In this case, if the ball has passed the plane of touch when it is caught, then the catcher is not deemed to have taken the ball into touch. If the ball has not passed the plane of touch when it is caught or picked up, then the catcher is deemed to have taken the ball into touch, regardless of whether the ball was in motion or stationary.

Reasoning: To simplify law and to increase ball-in-play time.

Law 9 Method of Scoring
Penalty Try. If a player would probably have scored a try but for foul play by an opponent, a penalty try is awarded. No conversion is attempted. Value: 7 points

Reasoning: To discourage teams from illegally preventing a probable try from being scored while also saving time on the clock by negating the need for a conversion.


Could really punish weaker sides. ( Tier 2 against Tier 1 for example) Sometimes a team is just having a torrid time trying to even compete. If it's a guaranteed 7 every time then the scoreboard will look ugly. I just think that one is a little too strict/punishing.

SecretFly wrote:Law 9 Method of Scoring
Penalty Try. If a player would probably have scored a try but for foul play by an opponent, a penalty try is awarded. No conversion is attempted. Value: 7 points

Reasoning: To discourage teams from illegally preventing a probable try from being scored while also saving time on the clock by negating the need for a conversion.


Could really punish weaker sides. ( Tier 2 against Tier 1 for example)  Sometimes a team is just having a torrid time trying to even compete.  If it's a guaranteed 7 every time then the scoreboard will look ugly.  I just think that one is a little too strict/punishing.

But do many tier 1 sides currently miss a penalty try conversion?

Well there is that chance. I know in Ireland we have kickers that always keep us wondering

Proposed changes to the LBW law?

Is there any other sport where they tinker with the laws so much???

Law 5 is interesting. So a losing side gets a penalty at the death, kicks for touch after the 80, and can then take the lineout. Makes sense.

Law 9 won't discourage teams from illegally preventing a possible try. Any conversation would be in front of the posts anyway.
I agree that awarding the 7 is the right thing to do. It saves time.