Can ‘X-factor’ inspire a new generation?

Avariation of rugby which could “transform” participation in England is set to be ratified by World Rugby next month.

The governing body’s council is expected to codify the laws of “X-rugby” after it passed scrutiny by its rugby committee, chaired by former Scotland and Lions flanker John Jeffrey, last month.

X-rugby is a shortened version of sevens, with matches taking place across half a pitch but still retaining the core facets of the 15-a-side game, including scrummaging, line-outs and full tackling (under chest level).

To overcome the absence of goalposts, tries scored in a 15-metre “max zone” in the centre of the goal-line are worth seven points, and those touched down outside the area are worth five.

It has undergone extensive trials in England, Ireland, New Zealand, Australia, the US and Canada. It is hoped it will attract a generation of players who will feed through to the 15-a-side game.

The Rugby Football Union believes it will improve access to the game in schools, retain players during their university days, attract “team players” from other sports who are new to rugby in their 20s, and keep veteran players from quitting rugby altogether.

The RFU is poised to roll out X-rugby at eight universities in February and at 12 clubs next June, while weekly leagues are scheduled to be set up next season.

“I think it is going to be transformational,” said Steve Grainger, the RFU’S rugby development officer. “It was developed with the adult market in mind – to target team sport players who have never played rugby – netballers, hockey players, footballers – in their 20s who might fancy a crack at rugby but without the intensity [of 15-a-side]. But after developing it and trialling it, it has got a really obvious application in the secondaryschool market, particularly for children who come to rugby late.

“We all see massive potential in schools because it only requires a smaller pitch and it is seven-a-side, but it looks very much like a hybrid game as it retains a lot of the characteristics of 15-a-side.”

The RFU held closed trials involving male and female players, first in Bristol and then at Hartpury College in Gloucester.

“We put them through a six-week programme, one hour a week, to see if we could get them from novice to player, and the results were quite staggering,” Grainger added. “I think over the next decade it will really have an impact on keeping people in the game.”