During the 2023 Super Rugby season, several law modifications will be tested, which could potentially be implemented in the Rugby World Cup of 2023.
These modifications include time restrictions on goal kicks, set pieces, and rucks, as well as a simplified TMO process. The aim of these fan-focused law innovations is to increase the speed and fluidity of the World Cup.
Referees will enforce time limits of 90 seconds for conversions, 60 seconds for penalty kicks, 30 seconds for scrums and lineouts to be set, and 5 seconds for the ball to be used at rucks.
Additionally, TMOs will only interrupt play for serious, clear, and obvious incidents of foul play.
The key changes are summarised in bullet points below:
The referee will put a stopwatch shot clock on kickers who will have 90 seconds to kick a conversion from the time a try is awarded, and 60 seconds for penalties, from the time the referee signals a shot at goal.
Match officials will expect lineouts and scrums to be formed within 30 seconds of the respective marks being set, and the ball to be used within 5 seconds of a ruck being formed.
