The 20-min red decision deferred, new laws to go on trial in '25

NEWS: Four new laws are set to go on trial globally next year as World Rugby continues in its endeavors to enhance the pace of the game pace and player protection.

A Council – made up of representatives from across the global game – has approved a package of law trials for 2025 onwards.

They were all trialed in international competitions this year, with some being used in domestic competitions all over the world.

The four areas, which will become law trials for all levels of the game, will be adopted for all new competitions that start after January 1, 2025.

They are:

• 60-second conversions to match existing penalty times. Shot clocks in play for elite rugby.
• 30-second setup for lineouts is now in law rather than “without delay” – matches the time set in law for scrums
• Uncontested lineouts that aren’t perfectly straight will be deemed “play on”
• Cleaner ball away from scrums, rucks, and mauls by limiting contact on the scrumhalf

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Proposals for global law trials to call a mark inside the 22-metre line at kick-off and restarts and for single-stop mauls did not receive the required 75% support so will not proceed.

A decision on the much-debated 20-minute red card was delayed and will continue to be trialed until the conclusion of the Nations Series.

The Council also approved a revised global trial for the Television Match Official (TMO) protocol, expanding its role to address clear infringements in the final attacking phase before scoring, including knock-ons, forward passes, and other critical decisions.

This protocol is already in place for the Nations Series.

For the full text of the law trial wording, click here.