With just 10 days until Super Rugby Pacific 2023 kicks off several new law variations have been confirmed in a bid to help speed up the game while a 'full' red card will make it's return alongside the 20-minute red card.
Time limits on goal kicks, set pieces and rucks will now be enforced while the TMO will be restricted to just clear and obvious dangerous play with yellow card reviews to take place after the sanctioned player leaves the field.
With the sport struggling with limited time with ball in play, the new variations have been created with the support of World Rugby to make the game more entertaining and engaging for fans who have consistently disparaged the slow pace of the game.
Following last year's controversial Bledisloe I ending which saw Wallabies fly-half Bernard Foley penalised for time wasting, referees will now use a shot clock on kickers who will have 90 seconds to kick a conversion from the time the try is awarded, and 60 seconds for penalties. Scrums and lineouts will now be expected to be formed within 30 seconds of the mark being set and the ball must be used within five seconds of a ruck being set.
Super Rugby Pacific Tournament Director Matt Barlow said the variations were a result of listening to the fans.
"We want Super Rugby Pacific to be the most entertaining, innovative and fastest professional rugby competition in the world," Barlow said in a statement. "We've listened to our fans and taken steps to reduce stoppages and video replays, increase flow and maintain the integrity of the competition and the safety of players in regard to yellow and red cards.
"Players, coaches and referees are excited about these innovations, and we believe they will create a better fan experience both at the game and for those watching on television."
In a move to help clean up dangerous play, the 'full' red card will also make it's return which will mean referees will have the ability to send a player off for deliberate foul play with the team unable to make a replacement. The 20-minute red card will still be in use.
The new TMO restrictions will also mean less interruptions in the game with the TMO only able to interrupt play to investigate clear and obvious foul play missed by the on-field referee, while referees can still call upon the TMO for yellow card incidents, but extended video reviews will take place after the player has left the field. A TMO can then use an eight-minute review period to determine whether to uphold the 10-minute yellow card or upgrade to a 20-minute red card.
"The review process for dangerous play will be as vigorous as ever and we believe TMOs will be able to make better judgements about the seriousness of foul play offences without the pressure of having to watch replays under stressful time constraints. There is also the addition of a stronger deterrent for deliberate foul play with the referee having the option of issuing a full red card," Barlow said.
"We know players and fans don't want to watch multiple frame-by-frame replays while they wait for the match to resume, so we believe we've struck the right balance."