Rugby’s New Rules: Are They Making the Game Better?

Rugby union has long wrestled with its ever-evolving rulebook, constantly tweaking and rewriting laws in pursuit of a faster, fairer game. With World Rugby introducing fresh updates—including quicker set pieces, adjusted kicking times, and the 20-minute red card—the sport continues to adapt. But have these changes actually improved the game?

The No. 9 Protection Rule: A Game-Changer or Just a Gimmick?

One of the biggest adjustments has been shielding scrum-halves from interference at rucks and mauls. This rule is meant to encourage attacking play by giving No. 9s more time and space, but the results have been mixed. While teams like Scotland, France, and Ireland have used it creatively, England has often defaulted to aimless box kicks—drawing groans from Twickenham crowds. The effectiveness of this rule remains debatable, as it tilts the balance between attack and defense.

Faster Set Pieces: Streamlining or Struggling?

World Rugby’s push for a quicker game includes a 30-second limit for scrums and lineouts to be set. While this works smoothly for lineouts, the enforcement at scrums remains inconsistent, as referees struggle to define when a scrum is “ready.” Additionally, crooked throw-ins at lineouts are now allowed if the opposition doesn’t contest—a logical adjustment, though some argue it could be taken even further by permitting crooked throws outright.

Shot Clocks on Kicks: Keeping Play Moving

Conversion and penalty kick times have been shortened, with kickers now having 60 seconds instead of 90 for conversions. However, inconsistencies in when the shot clock starts have led to controversial moments. England’s Fin Smith tried to run down the clock to deny France a restart, while Scotland’s Finn Russell inexplicably rushed his kick with 15 seconds left, missing a crucial opportunity. Refining the timing of the shot clock could prevent such confusion in future games.

Smart Balls: A Step Toward More Accurate Calls

New ball-tracking technology now helps pinpoint where kicks land, but many believe its true potential lies elsewhere. If used to detect forward passes and grounding decisions, it could resolve frequent controversies—like England’s try against Scotland, which likely would not have stood under such scrutiny. Implementing this tech more widely could significantly improve officiating accuracy.

The 20-Minute Red Card: A Fairer Punishment?

Rugby’s crackdown on dangerous tackles continues, with the 20-minute red card allowing a team to replace a sent-off player after 20 minutes. While this is an improvement over permanent dismissals, many still argue that punishing accidental head clashes—like Ireland’s Garry Ringrose being sent off and later banned—feels harsh. As the game gets faster, unintentional collisions are inevitable, leading some to question whether further adjustments are needed to balance safety with fairness.

The Verdict: Progress, But Imperfect

While these changes aim to speed up play and improve fairness, their execution remains inconsistent. Some rules, like the No. 9 protection and 20-minute red card, have sparked debate, while others, like quicker set pieces and smart ball technology, could benefit from clearer implementation. Rugby’s rulebook is always evolving, but whether these latest tweaks truly enhance the game remains up for discussion.