How the Laws could be changed
The International Rugby Board Council has announced details of the Law amendment process which will shape the evaluation of the Laws and whether there is a need for any change following Rugby World Cup 2011 in New Zealand.
Even though the current law changes were introduced by a more transparent, thorough and democratic process than ever before, the laws have not met with universal approval and much blame for tedious play has been laid at the door of the laws, this despite the scintillating rugby played by New Zealand and Australia on the final day of the November Test window.
After an interim meeting of the IRB’s Council on Tuesday, IRB Chairman Bernard Lapasset said: “We are all committed to ensuring that the Game is as enjoyable to play, officiate and watch as possible.
“Rugby is currently in good health with participation growing around the world, but there is concern about the attractiveness of the Game at the elite level and there is collective responsibility to ensure that a structured process can be implemented to allow for global analysis and to monitor trends relating to the shape and character of the Game.
“The framework agreed by the IRB Council will promote full Rugby stakeholder consultation and the participation of Member Unions to ensure that decisions made are in the best interest of Rugby worldwide.”
The IRB’s Council agreed a framework and timetable for the Laws review beginning in early 2010 with stakeholder consultation to assess global playing trends.
Central to the process will be the full participation of Tier 1 Member Unions within a specialist Laws Consultation Group, while the framework will also pave the way for an evaluation structure and trials if recommended.
