World Rugby has decided on a strict reinforcement of existing laws relating to the breakdown, instead of introducing new laws. A specialist breakdown group, made up of international coaches, players and medical experts and focusing on player welfare, considered current trends before recommending continuing with the current laws. World Rugby chairman Sir Bill Beaumont said: "The breakdown is the most dynamic facet of the game and it is increasingly difficult to referee, but, just as importantly, it is responsible for nine per cent of match injuries. "The group looked at a range of potential solutions, including potential law trials, but they unanimously agreed that the best practical and evidenced approach is to reinforce existing law, rather than law change. Laws 14 and 15 cover the tackler, ball carrier and players arriving at the ruck.

Source: Irish Independent April 02, 2020 09:33 UTC