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Rugby Union

RFU raises reservations over new rugby rules

24/04/2008

The Rugby Football Union (RFU) has expressed doubts over new laws proposed for the game that are currently being tested in the southern hemisphere's Super 14 competition.

The experimental law variations (ELVs) are currently being tested in the competition in the hope that it will encourage team to be more expansive in their play and less reliant on their respective kickers.

Several of the laws that are under consideration include reducing the punishment for a number of offences from penalties to free-kicks in order to encourage more running rugby.

And teams will now no longer be penalised for deliberately collapsing the maul.

While several pundits have espoused these moves in order to move away from the focus on kicking that currently exists in rugby union, many others have questioned the motives of the International Rugby Board (IRB).

Critics claim the changes could make union more like rugby league, and the RFU has stated its intention to canvas opinion from UK grassroots level rugby.

RFU chief executive Francis Baron said: "We have a number of concerns about the ELVs and the proposed process that is being followed regarding their introduction.

"As these experimental law variations could potentially result in major changes to the laws of the game, the RFU believes it is important to consult those involved in the game at every level and give them an opportunity to express their views."

In order to do this, the RFU has set up an online survey questionnaire for grassroots players to fill out to express their opinions on the new rules.

The submissions will be used to drive debate when the IRB discusses the new rules next month.