This season sees a number of key changes to the current laws. Below is a summary of those changes, plus also on this page is a PDF which can be downloaded which provides further information.
The World Rugby Executive Committee acting in accordance with the World Rugby Bye-Laws have agreed to approve the following Global Law Trials for implementation for competitions commencing on or after August 1, 2021:
50:22
If the team in possession kicks the ball from inside their own half indirectly into touch inside their opponents’ 22, they will throw into the resultant lineout. The ball cannot be passed or carried back into the defensive half for the 50:22 to be played. The phase must originate inside the defensive half.
Goal line drop-out
If the ball is held up in in-goal, there is a knock-on from an attacking player in in-goal or an attacking kick is grounded by the defenders in their own in-goal, then play restarts with a goal line drop-out anywhere along the goal line.
Flying Wedge
To sanction the three person pre-bound mini-scrum by redefining the flying wedge.
1 man latch
To recognise the potential for 1-player pre-latching prior to contact, but this player must observe all of the requirements for a first arriving player, particularly the need to stay on their feet.
Cleanout and safety of the “Jackler”
To introduce a sanction for clean outs which target or drop weight onto the lower limbs.
