The 20-minute red card rule will be implemented during next month's autumn internationals, marking its first use in the northern hemisphere, despite resistance from Ireland and France against its permanent adoption. Six Nations Rugby, which manages the 21 fixtures in the Autumn Nations Series, has confirmed that the rule will be tested throughout November, including England's four matches against New Zealand, Australia, South Africa, and Japan.
The 20-minute red card rule, which permits a team to substitute a player who receives a red card after 20 minutes in the sin-bin, has already been trialed in the Rugby Championship. It is anticipated that there will be a consultation period before a final decision is made by World Rugby's council next month on whether to implement a global trial. As in the Rugby Championship, referees retain the authority to issue permanent red cards for deliberate and dangerous foul play, a crucial distinction since some trials have seen all sendings off result in a 20-minute red card.
Straight red cards have become less common due to the bunker review system, which will be operational during the November Tests, making 20-minute red cards more likely. In practice, a referee can either issue a 20-minute red card, a permanent red card for severe foul play, or send the offender to the bunker for review, with the possibility of returning after 10 minutes if a yellow card is deemed appropriate, or being replaced after 20 minutes.
While 20-minute red cards have been well-received in the southern hemisphere, there has been considerable opposition in the north. Previous proposals have been rejected due to concerns about player safety, and there are worries that a 20-minute red card could send the wrong message amid ongoing brain injury litigation. Following the Six Nations' announcement, the Irish union released a statement opposing the permanent adoption of the rule, emphasizing that player welfare and safety are paramount and that a permanent red card for deliberate and intentional foul play supports these values and maintains the integrity of the game.
Earlier this week, France also expressed strong opposition to the 20-minute red card, with a joint statement from the French federation, the National Rugby League, and the players' union labeling the proposal as an 'unacceptable step backwards' and asserting that the data collected remains 'insufficient'. Some within the sport advocate for World Rugby to go further, suggesting changes to the protocols to maintain '15 v 15' on the field and prevent 'destroying the game'. Last season, sendings off in the World Cup final, the Premiership final, and the Champions Cup final would likely have resulted in a 20-minute red card.
Additional trials during the autumn fixtures include referees explaining key decisions to spectators in the stadium via microphone and countdown clocks for scrums and lineouts.
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