Springboks Set for Two Red Cards in Rugby Championship
The Rugby Championship kicks off this weekend, and it’s going to look a bit different – and a bit more red – for the Springboks and their competitors.
SANZAAR has confirmed several law variations for the Rugby Championship, including the introduction of a two-red card system.
The Springboks will begin their 2024 campaign against the Wallabies in Brisbane on Saturday, while defending champions New Zealand face Argentina in Wellington later the same day. However, the application of certain laws and the officiating will look a bit different this season.
Law Variations Implemented in Rugby Championship
Under the new laws, players sent off after being shown a red card can be replaced by another player 20 minutes later.
However, deliberate foul play with a high level of danger will still result in a full red card for the offending player, who cannot return or be replaced, SANZAAR added.
Additionally, a 60-second shot clock for kickers to take conversions and penalties, as well as a 30-second countdown clock for forwards to form a scrum or lineout, are among the other law changes being introduced this Rugby Championship season.
According to the governing body, the rationale behind these variations is to speed up the game by reducing unnecessary stoppages and clarifying law interpretations.
New Laws to Be Introduced
The new laws also include extra protection for the scrumhalf, who cannot be tackled by a defender who is part of a ruck or maul within one meter of that event. At a scrum, the defending scrumhalf may not follow his opposite number to the base of the scrum and must remain at the tunnel or retreat to the offside line.
The referee will be allowed to let play continue for a crooked lineout throw under the changes if the defending team does not contest the ball.
Commenting on the law variations, SANZAAR CEO Brendan Morris stated, “The Rugby Championship is the flagship of the sport in the southern hemisphere and annually we see the best players in the world battle it out for the title. We believe this year’s championship, which has been keenly anticipated by the players and rugby fans, will again exhibit the best of what the game has to offer with exciting, tough action on the field, enhanced by the evolution in the Laws of the Game.”
“SANZAAR, on behalf of its member unions, continues to explore ways to make The Rugby Championship and rugby in general even more attractive to fans. In 2024, The Rugby Championship is back to its full format with 12 Test matches played across Argentina, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa.”
