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New laws in play at all levels in South Africa
Reuters | Friday, 11 January 2008
New laws in play at all levels in South Africa - Rugby news & coverage - Stuff.co.nz
Changes in the laws of rugby are to be given a trial at all levels of the game in South Africa from next month.
The IRB has already conducted a series of trials on the Experimental Law Variations (ELVs) at lower levels in South Africa, New Zealand, Australia, England and Scotland.
The changes relate to the breakdown (tackle and post tackle area), maul, lineout, sanctions, kicking from inside the 22 metre line and the act of scoring in relation to the corner posts.
"The IRB is delighted that the South African Rugby Union has agreed to trial the full inventory of ELVs. This is a very exciting development for the game as this gives a further opportunity to conduct comprehensive on-field analysis of the ELVs from school level right through to the Currie Cup," said IRB chairman Bernard Lapasset in a statement.
"Importantly, everything that is being trialled relates to the game's Playing Charter that recognises Rugby as being a game for all shapes and sizes and that the contest for possession is of paramount importance.
"The IRB has no desire to change the very fabric of the game, but recognises the need to continually look at the laws to ensure that rugby is as easy as possible to play, referee and understand," added Lapasset.
Among the key changes are that penalty kicks will be given only for offside, foul play and deliberate or persistent infringements and all other offences will now merit only a free kick.
Defending players can now pull down a maul, there will be no maximum number of players in a lineout, though there must be a minimum of two, while a try can now be scored if a player touches a corner post before grounding the ball.
Specific ELVs will also be trialled during the 2008 Super 14 competition which kicks-off in February.
Feedback from the various participating unions will be evaluated by the IRB Council, who will decide in November whether to incorporate them for the game as a whole.
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