World Rugby introduce major new rule bid to speed up game

Governing body World Rugby has announced plans to introduce a ‘shot clock’ to help speed up the pacing of matches following complaints over time-wasting tactics.

Rugby is set for a revolution following the announcement of a new ‘shot clock’ rule to eliminate time-wasting tactics.

The introduction of the shot clock at set pieces and kicks is also aimed at improving the overall pacing of matches. World Rugby’s latest changes mean conversion attempts must be taken within 90 seconds of a try being awarded, while kickers will have just 60 seconds to complete penalty attempts.

The time limits for kickers were already part of rugby law, though the shot clock adds a more regimented element to the rule. In addition, World Rugby has also added details to existing rules concerning deliberate knock-ons and players supporting their body weight at rucks and mauls.

Any failure to take a kick attempt within the allotted time will result in the kick being disallowed.

Meanwhile, teams will have just 30 seconds to scrum down and cannot delay forming lineouts, with a penalty to the opposition awarded as punishment should teams fail to do either.

Phil Davies, World Rugby’s director of rugby, said in a statement: “World Rugby, member unions and competitions will work with broadcasters and match hosts to implement on-screen [stadia and broadcast] shot clocks for penalties and conversions to ensure referees, players and fans can view the countdown, mirroring what happens in the LNR (French national league) and sevens.”

World Rugby is wasting no time bringing into effect the changes, encouraging elite organisations to enforce the new laws from January 1.

That means fans should see the new changes in action during the 2023 Six Nations, which will hopefully result in more in-field play.

The Top 14—the highest tier of French rugby—has already adopted shot clocks to good effect.

Commentator Nick Mullins fully supported the change and said he applauded “anything that speedsup the game. We can all lose the will to live waiting for re-starts (sic).”

World Rugby has also specified water carriers are only to enter the field of play after a try has been scored. The first half of 2023 will serve as a testing period for the changes before France prepares to host the Rugby World Cup in September.