Scrum amendments from August 1

SIX new law amendments focusing on the scrum and ruck will have a global trial in a bid to make the game easier to play and referee, World Rugby announced on Thursday.

The changes will be trialled in the northern hemisphere from August 1, extended to the south from January 1, and will include the end-of-year international tours in Europe.

The laws have been approved for an extended trial after positive outcomes at the recent Under-20 Championship in Georgia, as well as other smaller regional tournaments.

Three of the trialled laws relate to the scrum in a bid to make it a fairer contest, including allowing all members of the front row to attempt to “strike” for the ball after it has been put into the scrum.

And the No 8 at the back of the scrum may pick up the ball at the locks’ feet, rather than wait for it to travel as far as between his legs. – Reuters