Rule change inspired by capital prop Schoeman
Tries can no longer be scored in rugby by grounding the ball against a post protector.
World Rugby said it was becoming “difficult for teams to legally defend this area” because of the increasing size and shape of post protectors for safety reasons.
In some cases defending teams were lifting or moving the protectors and leaving the posts exposed, increasing the risk of injury.
The issue was highlighted last November when Edinburghproppierreschoeman lifted the padding around a post on his tryline to prevent Munster from scoring a try against the post. He was reprimanded by the referee for exposing the posts dangerously but not penalised. The law change was recommended in March at a player welfare symposium in Paris, and approved by the World Rugby Council yesterday.
The ball must now be grounded in the in-goal area or on the line for a try to be awarded.
● Glasgow have announced the imminent departures of Rory Hughes and Matt Smith.
The pair both went out on loan in early 2020 and will depart when their Warriors contracts expire at the end of the current campaign.
Scotland international wing Hughes, who made 48 appearances for the Scotstoun club, joined Leicester on loan in January.
Back-row forward Smith made 25 appearances before joining Edinburgh on loan in February until the end of the season.
● Utility back Kurtley Beale is joining French rugby club Racing 92 in a two-year deal from next season.