World Rugby
Analysis
For subscribers
World Rugby ushers in law changes to speed up game, but have they opened a new loophole?
With the goal of reducing stoppages and making rugby more appealing to fans, new laws and law trials have been announced. But some people aren’t happy.
- by Iain Payten
Latest
Sports minister raised World Cup final in phone call to rugby boss
Rugby officials have been warned the Victorian government expects an elite rugby union team to play in the state, with the future of the Melbourne Rebels to be decided on Friday as ministers weigh up a bid to stage the 2027 Rugby World Cup final.
- by Carla Jaeger, Kieran Rooney and Sarah Danckert
Brisbane troll fined for ‘vile’ online ref abuse during Rugby World Cup
A Brisbane man has been fined $1000 and given a 12-month good behaviour bond for abusing a Rugby World Cup match official and his family.
- by Iain Payten
This is now a high tackle in Shute Shield … and coaches believe it will improve rugby
In its 102nd year, the Shute Shield starts this weekend using a trial law to lower the legal tackling height to the sternum. The eyes of the world will be on the results.
- by Iain Payten
Opinion
For subscribers
Seventeen dead minutes: Why World Rugby had to act after Cup final
The 2011 Rugby World Cup final was by no means a classic. But comparing it to last year’s showpiece event proves that rule changes have turned rugby into a waiting game.
- by Paul Cully
World Rugby to consider tackle height change for professional game
A range of law tweaks and trials to enhance the spectacle of rugby, and improve player welfare, have been revealed in a new World Rugby plan.
- by Iain Payten
Five-second rule: Can one refereeing decision kill off rugby’s most hated tactic?
A rarely used refereeing call during the Brumbies’ loss to the Chiefs could help eradicate rugby’s worst pest: the caterpillar ruck.
- by Iain Payten
Opinion
Super Rugby
A boring product trapped by pedantic rules: Why it’s time rugby joined the entertainment game
The game is going backwards economically because, aside from episodic scintillating moments like the first half of France-South Africa in the recent World Cup, it’s become lousy entertainment. Here’s how to fix it.
- by John Wylie
Teething issue: Smart mouthguards the new weapon in concussion battle, but there’s a catch
High-tech mouthguards that cost up to $500 and detect dangerous levels of force to the head during tackles are compulsory for Super Rugby players this year.
- by Iain Payten
Analysis
Super Rugby
What is Dupont’s law, why is it ruining the game, and how will Super Rugby stop it?
France halfback Antoine Dupont has exploited a loophole in the rugby rulebook. We explain how Super Rugby is closing it to create a better spectacle.
- by Jonathan Drennan
‘Smart mouthguards’ in spotlight after Scottish player forced from Six Nations game
George Turner became first elite male player to be taken off for an HIA after his “smart mouthguard” detected an impact of more than 70G against France.
- by Ben Coles