Photograph: Tim Clayton/Getty ImagesIn 2009, when I was coaching Ulster, World Rugby proposed a few sensible law changes that would allow players to execute quick lineout throws. When it comes to law reform, World Rugby is a geopolitical battlefield where conservatives, reformers and political animals of influence clash. World Rugby and their hard-working staff should be applauded for continuing the long struggle towards law reform with their series of conferences on The Shape of the Game. The goals of these meetings include growing rugby’s audience appeal, law innovation and game presentation, growing participation in the community game and sustainable growth of the women’s game. This type of refereeing error could and should be taken out of every rugby game.

Source: The Irish Times March 20, 2026 13:31 UTC