The French Rugby Federation have proposed amendments to World Rugby over ways they feel the game can be improved.
These rule amendments mostly focus on trying to speed up the game and ways in which they feel French teams have struggled in the past. The proposal focuses on several main areas, including substitutions, kick timings and the bunker.
Top 14 Replacement trial to end
Since 2018, French leagues had been trialling a system where they would be able to make a total of 12 replacements throughout the game. This meant that some players could be withdrawn, rested and then return to the field. This was implemented to try to reduce the physical impacts of the game and to reduce muscular injuries from overexertion.
The Federation have proposed moving back to the old system, and the same rules used in international rugby as there was no impact noticed on injury loads. If anything, this would allow the strongest players in a team to be rested for 10-15 minutes and come back on to play at an even higher physical level later in the game.
Reducing the shot clock to 45 seconds
Currently, goal kickers can take 60 seconds over a kick. This can be either for a penalty or conversion, and this starts when indicated by the referee. The board at the French Federation have requested that this be reduced to 45 seconds.
I feel this one makes a lot of sense. We all want a faster game that is more linked up. We normally only see the full 60 seconds used up when a team wants to manage the clock, at the end of the game or before halftime. This also slows down the pace of a game and can be used by a team to stunt tempo and rhythm from their opposition, who potentially are going through a dominant period.
Improvements to the 20-minute red card
The press release reaffirmed the board’s opposition to the 20-minute card, but without its removal, they would aim for some improvements with the system.
Firstly, they would like to see improved powers for both the referee and the bunker official. They would like the referee to be able to award a 20-minute red card, rather than relying on other officials who don’t understand the pace of the game to make that decision. They would also like the bunker official to be able to award a straight red card. This would give the option where an incident looks worse with further viewing to be upgraded to the highest level of sanction.
They would also ask that the name be updated and have offered the suggestion of the “orange card”.
