New Zealand Rugby has confirmed the introduction of a new law innovation for the 2024 & 2025 community rugby season’s – 20 minute red card. The innovation is set to commence for the upcoming community rugby season for junior rugby, secondary school and community club rugby.

New Zealand Rugby has confirmed this will be the first community trial for this innovation anywhere in the world. Introduced in 2020 in Super Rugby, it has since been used in Super Rugby Aupiki and the Rugby Championship.

So, what does this mean for our community game in the Waikato?

If a player is sent from the field due to receiving a red card from the match official, that player shall be replaced after 20 minutes by another player. This innovation trial will be across all community rugby grades – from our junior rugby, right through secondary school rugby and into our senior rugby and premier competitions.

What it ensures is that the offending player is suitably dealt with, while also ensuring the competition and experience for players, referees, coaches and spectators is still enjoyable. 

In total, four game innovations will be trialed in community rugby this season and the next. They are:

1. Reduced tackle height to below the sternum targeting the belly area for all community rugby grades. 

2. Halfback offside at scrum for all community rugby grades. 

3. Maximum 1.5metre scrum push for all community rugby, excluding senior premier club rugby grades. 

4. 20 minute red card. 

For more information, head to the NZR. Click Here

Article added: Monday 19 February 2024