It was expected. The World Rugby Council decided on Thursday to postpone a vote on the global test phase of the reduced red card in order to have “more in-depth feedback” to make a decision, the body said.
“As international matches between the hemispheres have just begun, the Council has decided (…) to postpone” the vote on the 20-minute red card test phase globally until the tests have concluded. The November matches will allow for “more information”, in-depth feedback and exhaustive data analysis,” the organization specifies in a statement.
World Rugby, which will also have to elect its new president today, will have to decide to experiment on a global level with a whole series of reforms in the rules of rugby, intended to make the game more spectacular and faster.
These measures have already been tested in some international competitions for six months, in particular during the Rugby Championship or the Women’s XV, but also during the autumn test matches, in particular those of the Blues against New Zealand this Saturday.
Strong opposition from France in the name of player safety
The introduction of a lighter red card, which allows a team with a sent-off player to be able to replace him after 20 minutes, had concentrated the debates, with France especially strongly opposing it in the name of player safety.
Last Sunday, Semi Radradra was the first international player to receive this sanction, during Fiji’s victory against the Welsh (19-24) after a high tackle on Cameron Winnett. The French referee Luc Ramos initially sanctioned him with a yellow, which was transformed into red after 20 minutes by the video referee positioned in the bunker. Radradra was then replaced numerically in the second half. Scotland’s Scott Cummings also received a 20-minute red card on the same day during the defeat against South Africa (15-32).
During the last World Cup final, the All Blacks played 44 minutes short-handed after their captain Sam Cane (34th) was sent off. The score was frozen in the 58th minute after a try by Beauden Barrett. Many in the southern hemisphere thought this final would have had more sporting interest if the second period had been played 15 vs. 15.
Other measures will be tested globally from 1 January 2025, such as reducing the time to make a conversion, to form a scrum or even greater protection of the scrum half in the rucks, mauls or melee phases.
In contrast, the ability to score a volley save within 22 meters after a kick-off as well as the limitation to one save for mauls, instead of two currently, did not reach the 75% of votes needed to be generalized.
How might the new leadership in World Rugby influence future rule changes and the red card debate?
Time.news Interview with Rugby Expert Dr. Sarah Jenkins on the Postponement of the Red Card Vote
Time.news Editor: Welcome, Dr. Jenkins. Thanks for joining us today to discuss the recent developments from the World Rugby Council regarding the red card rule. It must be a pivotal topic in the rugby community right now, especially with the vote being postponed.
Dr. Sarah Jenkins: Thank you for having me! Yes, it indeed is a critical moment for rugby, and the discussions surrounding the red card rule are essential for the sport’s future.
Time.news Editor: The World Rugby Council mentioned that the postponement was to gather “more in-depth feedback.” What specific feedback are they looking for, and why is it particularly vital at this stage?
Dr. Sarah Jenkins: They are keen to analyze data from the ongoing international matches and get insights from various stakeholders. With the November tests just beginning, they want to observe player behavior, game dynamics, and referee decisions to gather comprehensive data before implementing such a significant rule change.
Time.news Editor: Of course, the lightening of red cards, which allows a team to replace a player after 20 minutes, has sparked strong opinions, especially from France. How does player safety play into this discussion?
Dr. Sarah Jenkins: Player safety is paramount. Opponents of the lighter red card, particularly in France, argue that it could undermine the seriousness of dangerous play. The concern is that a reduced penalty might encourage reckless behavior, as players may feel less accountability for their actions if they know their team can replace them after a short period.
Time.news Editor: Balancing the excitement of the game while ensuring player safety is undoubtedly tricky. How have the initial tests of this reduced red card been received thus far in international competitions?
Dr. Sarah Jenkins: The initial tests have revealed a mix of outcomes. While there have been some positive reactions regarding the fluidity and speed of the game, many professionals and analysts are still debating whether the long-term benefits outweigh potential risks to player safety. The Rugby Championship and some women’s matches showed promising engagement, but the data is still being analyzed.
Time.news Editor: With these discussions ongoing, there’s also the context of electing a new president for World Rugby. How might this leadership change influence the future of such rule adjustments?
Dr. Sarah Jenkins: Leadership can dramatically shape the direction of rugby, particularly in matters of rule changes. A new president with a strong focus on player welfare may advocate for more caution, whereas another with a vision for a faster, more engaging game might push towards more liberal rule changes. The next few months will be crucial in determining how these priorities align with safety standards.
Time.news Editor: It’s fascinating how interconnected these issues are. What do you think will be the ultimate outcome of this postponement? Will we see significant changes?
Dr. Sarah Jenkins: I believe this postponement will likely lead to more refined proposals for rule changes. The council’s decision to wait for data and feedback suggests they’re committed to making informed choices. We might not see drastic changes immediately, but a thoughtful approach could result in modifications that promote both safety and the excitement of the game in the long run.
Time.news Editor: Thank you, Dr. Jenkins! It’s an exciting, albeit complex, time for rugby, and your insights shed light on the nuances of these developments.
Dr. Sarah Jenkins: Thank you for having me! I look forward to seeing how these discussions evolve.