World Rugby – TMO’s Will Have Additional Powers In Trial Period

 

World Rugby has confirmed it is operating an initial closed trial of modifications to the Television Match Protocol (TMO) at World Rugby competitions in July, including the Pacific Nations Cup, WXV and U20 Championship and Trophy.

In addition, the South Africa v Wales and Fiji v Barbarians matches ahead of the July tests will also operate the trial following requests from the respective unions.

A key outcome of the Shape of the Game conference, under the revised protocol, the TMO will now have the additional power to highlight clear and obvious infringements in the final passage of play (from the last restart) to the referee, including knock-ons and forward passes.

Previously, whereby the TMO can only intervene on infringements within the final two phases. All other aspects of the existing protocol will apply.

The trial will help inform decision-making by the World Rugby Council in November regarding the future iteration of the TMO process in line with the roadmap approved by the World Rugby Executive Board in March.