Super Rugby Pacific Introduced New Interesting Rules

 

For the 2023 season, Super Rugby Pacific will add a lot of new, interesting rules.

There will be time limits on goal kicks, set pieces, and rucks, and the Third Match Official process will be streamlined. The changes are meant to make the game "faster and smoother than ever before."

Referees will put 90-second time limits on conversions, 60-second time limits on penalty kicks, 30-second time limits on scrums and lineouts, and 5-second time limits on rucks.

TMOs will only stop the game if there is serious, clear, and obvious foul play that the referee on the field missed.

Referees can ask the TMO to make a decision about a yellow card, but longer video reviews will happen after the player leaves the field.

The TMO has eight minutes to pick between a 10-minute yellow card and a 20-minute red card. A 20-minute red card allows substitution.

Referees have the right to give a full red card for intentional foul play. If this happens, the player will not be able to come back on the field and will not be able to be replaced.

Tournament director Matt Barlow said all teams and World Rugby agreed on the revisions to make the game safer and more appealing to viewers.