Following World Rugby’s implementation of the Global Law Trials to all competitions commencing 1 January 2025, EPCR has confirmed four global amendments will be implemented to promote speed, space, and contests to enhance fan and player experiences.
Law Trials will be adopted from Round 3 of the Investec Champions Cup and EPCR Challenge Cup. The hotly debated 20-minute red card replacement was deferred to 2025.
The following four World Rugby Global Law Trials will be implemented for Rounds 3 and 4:
1. 60-second conversion limit to align with penalties and improve game pace, which will be managed by a shot clock (where possible). The kicker must take the kick within 60 seconds (playing time) from the time the try was awarded, even if the ball rolls over and has to be placed again. Sanction: Scrum.
2. Teams must form the lineout within 30 seconds of a mark being made without delay, which will be managed on-field by the match officials. Sanction: Free-kick.
3 Play-on rule in uncontested lineouts when the throw is not straight. If the non-throwing team does not lift a teammate to compete for the ball, then play shall continue. If the non-throwing team lift a teammate to compete for the ball, then they shall be offered the option of a lineout or scrum. If the lineout is chosen and the ball is again not thrown straight, a scrum is awarded to the team that originally threw in the ball.
4. Scrum-half protection during scrums, rucks and mauls. A player who is, or was part of the maul may not play an opponent near it (within 1m), and who is attempting to play the ball away. Sanction: Penalty.