Previous changes to the rulebook surrounding contestable high balls now mean the player collecting is less protected as teammates are now unable to escort opponents, being penalised if they do so.
World Rugby has confirmed no new law changes will occur following the conclusion of the annual Shape of the Game summit.
Previous changes to the rulebook surrounding contestable high balls now mean the player collecting is less protected as teammates are now unable to escort opponents, being penalised if they do so.
Irish wing James Lowe said the move has “brought a bit of a different dynamic to the game”, while on a separate note, the French Rugby Federation have expressed their worries over the depowering of scrums.
But World Rugby chair Dr Brett Robinson and World Rugby CEO Alan Gilpin both said neither issue had been discussed during the week and that there were no plans to alter how both elements of the game are currently officiated.
On the issue of the high ball, Gilpin said: “Those changes have obviously made more of a contest for the ball in the air. Player safety is still vital in that space so we’re going to remain vigilant around the safety aspect and what that contest in the air looks like. But there’s been a broad appreciation for the changes, the players have adapted brilliantly, and it’s opened up space in the game, so there’s no desire to change anything.”
It had been reported in France that Australia and New Zealand were in favour of minimising the influence of scrums in matches but Robinson allayed fears of any imminent alterations at the set piece.
He added: “There’s be in no way any discussions about depowering the scrum. The principles of contest, and the primacy of contest is everything; the principles of all body shapes and sizes being able to take part. We had John Eales in the room this week towering over people, and we need a game that enables us all to be able to participate. That contest is at the heart of things.”
Gilpin and Robinson were speaking during a wide-ranging press conference during the Shape of the Game week, where an agreement has been made to focus more on the fan experience and a greater alignment in the application of law by officials at every level of the game.
Other topics of discussion looked at how better to celebrate the sport and how to continue the growth of the women’s game.
Robinson said: “The feedback from around the world is that the game on the field is broadly in a positive place. We’ve been guilty in the past of being too keen to play and tinker with laws. The message this week is to focus on better explaining, selling and celebrating our sport in what is an ever more competitive environment.
“Our heritage and our values are strengths, and so too is our capacity to innovate. By continuing to enhance the rugby experience – how we present the game, how we tell our stories, how we connect with fans and how we protect our players – we will futureproof the sport and unlock even greater global relevance and value.”