World Rugby: new rules promoting speed & space adopted, vote on 20-minute red card postponed

World Rugby, whose 2024 Council met at the body's headquarters in Dublin (IRL), has adopted new rules "promoting speed and space" in the game, according to the international federation on 14/11/2024.

"A package of law trials aimed at enhancing fan and player experience will be adopted as a global trial across all competitions from next year (01/01/2025)," said the body, presenting four new rules (see below).

"Global adoption of these new law trials marks a major milestone towards World Rugby's purpose of stimulating global growth via increasing accessibility and relevance among younger fans, ensuring rugby is placed to thrive over the next decade towards US Rugby World Cups," added World Rugby.

The Board did, however, decide to postpone the vote on the 20-minute red card trial to which the FFR, LNR and Provale were "strongly opposed". "With cross-hemisphere international matches having only just begun, in line with the recommendation, the Council decided to delay consideration of the 20-minute red card trial until the conclusion of the Autumn Nations Series to enable further feedback…