Changes announced as players help shape the game

A series of law applications aimed at improving the game will come into place from January 1, 2023.

Following on from the “Shape of the Game” conference in November, where players gave their views on what can be improved on the pitch, World Rugby today announced that certain guidelines will be implemented which are designed to assist match officials, players and coaches.

They include actions to help speed up the game, reduce the reliance on the Television Match Official (TMO), fewer water carriers, scrutiny on negative play, penalising players with hands on the floor to support their body weight and clarity on deliberate knock-ons. 

Players were represented at the conference in London by Head of Player Welfare and High Performance, Conrad Smith, Head of Legal David Quinlan, CEO Omar Hassanein, former Welsh and Lions centre Jamie Roberts, former England and Lions winger Ugo Monye, former Canadian international Dr. Araba Chintoh and Dean Mumm, former Australian second-row. 

Click here for further detail on the law applications.