As the 2027 Rugby World Cup looms, World Rugby Chair Brett Robinson aired frustrations about the ongoing hemispheric divide stalling the sport's evolution. Despite the introduction of innovative rules like the 20-minute red card, resistance from the northern hemisphere has slowed progress, with more law trials anticipated before the Cup.
Robinson, taking the reins from Sir Bill Beaumont, voiced concerns on the Rugby Unity podcast, highlighting the sport's lingering issues. "We play a huge role in working with our members to create a better product," Robinson explained, stressing the continuous effort needed to enhance the game's appeal and reduce 'dead time' and excessive kicking.
"After the 2023 World Cup, we did a lot of work, listening to our fans, and there was some research that was presented throughout the game about the things that were really frustrating our fans."
Despite such feedback, the introduction of the 20-minute red card became a point of contention, particularly with northern hemisphere stakeholders. "It took us a lot longer, because some of our friends in the northern hemisphere needed to better understand it," Robinson lamented. The divide extends to other aspects of the game as well, such as the use of TMOs, with differing views causing rifts and delays in implementation.
Robinson praised the southern hemisphere, particularly Super Rugby in Australia and New Zealand, for their willingness to experiment with new rules aimed at speeding up the game and enhancing viewer experience. These included modifications like allowing quick taps from free kicks near the mark and trials around the 50:22 rule to encourage more dynamic play.
Yet, Robinson's tone indicated a clear frustration with the global pace of change. "I don’t think we are moving at a [good] pace, we have a cultural problem in our game that involves us wanting to move all the world together and that’s hard because you have different perspectives on how the game should be played and it’s hemispheric," he asserted, pushing for a more expedited and unified approach to law adjustments.
As World Rugby gears up for the upcoming 'shape of the game' conference, the stakes are high to finalize the laws that will govern the sport at the next World Cup. With an independent panel led by outgoing New Zealand Rugby CEO Mark Robinson set to review the role of the TMO, the coming months are critical for the future of rugby union.
2,193 posts
As the 2027 Rugby World Cup looms, World Rugby Chair Brett Robinson aired frustrations about the ongoing hemispheric divide stalling the sport's evolution. Despite the introduction of innovative rules like the 20-minute red card, resistance from the northern hemisphere has slowed progress, with more law trials anticipated before the Cup.
Robinson, taking the reins from Sir Bill Beaumont, voiced concerns on the Rugby Unity podcast, highlighting the sport's lingering issues. "We play a huge role in working with our members to create a better product," Robinson explained, stressing the continuous effort needed to enhance the game's appeal and reduce 'dead time' and excessive kicking.
"After the 2023 World Cup, we did a lot of work, listening to our fans, and there was some research that was presented throughout the game about the things that were really frustrating our fans."
Despite such feedback, the introduction of the 20-minute red card became a point of contention, particularly with northern hemisphere stakeholders. "It took us a lot longer, because some of our friends in the northern hemisphere needed to better understand it," Robinson lamented. The divide extends to other aspects of the game as well, such as the use of TMOs, with differing views causing rifts and delays in implementation.
Robinson praised the southern hemisphere, particularly Super Rugby in Australia and New Zealand, for their willingness to experiment with new rules aimed at speeding up the game and enhancing viewer experience. These included modifications like allowing quick taps from free kicks near the mark and trials around the 50:22 rule to encourage more dynamic play.
Yet, Robinson's tone indicated a clear frustration with the global pace of change. "I don’t think we are moving at a [good] pace, we have a cultural problem in our game that involves us wanting to move all the world together and that’s hard because you have different perspectives on how the game should be played and it’s hemispheric," he asserted, pushing for a more expedited and unified approach to law adjustments.
As World Rugby gears up for the upcoming 'shape of the game' conference, the stakes are high to finalize the laws that will govern the sport at the next World Cup. With an independent panel led by outgoing New Zealand Rugby CEO Mark Robinson set to review the role of the TMO, the coming months are critical for the future of rugby union.