Stellenbosch Laws

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The 'Stellenbosch Laws' are a proposed set of amendments to the governing laws of Rugby Union that are due to come into effect in 2008.

1 Background
2 The Panel
3 The Laws
4 Trials
5 References

[edit] Background

A game of Rugby Union is goverened by a set of rules that stretch to approximately 150 pages. The governing body the International Rugby Board or I.R.B. trialed games at Stellenbosch University in South Africa with the aim of simplifying the rules of the game and enabling refereeing decisions to be more consistent.

[edit] The Panel

The Stellenbosch Laws were devised on behalf of the I.R.B. by Rod Macqueen who coached the 1999 World Cup winning Australian side, Pierre Villepreux of France, Richie Dixon of Scotland and Ian McIntosh of South Africa.

[edit] The Laws

The new laws are;

At the breakdown, players can use their hands at all times. They must come into the breakdown in an onside position. No foul play is allowed. Otherwise, anything goes. The side that takes the ball into the breakdown and can't release it is penalised.

Either side can use as many players as they like in the lineout, at any time, providing they fit inside the 15-metre line.

Touch judges are to become "flag referees" with a primary responsibility of policing the offside lines.

Long-arm penalties are to be given only for offside and foul play. All other penalties are short-arm penalties (free kicks).

If the ball is passed or run back into the 22 and then kicked out, the lineout is taken from where the kick was made.

The maul can be collapsed by defending sides without incurring a penalty.

[edit] Trials

The initial trials were held at Stellenbosch University in 2006. The I.R.B. has decided to expand the trials in a 20 match competition in Scotland. After which a review will be sent to the I.R.B for their final decision. It is expected that the laws will enter into widespread use in 2008.