by Twenty-minute red cards will be tested in the 2024 Autumn Nations Series.
Referees can still hand out a “permanent” red card for a foul that is deemed “willful and dangerous,” but for “technical violations” that were not committed “intentionally or intentionally,” the offending team can have the player sent off then replace 20 minutes.
World Rugby will discuss whether the 20-minute red card is the only red card available to referees at a meeting next month.
The Irish Rugby Football Union (IRFU) – following the example of the French Rugby Federation (FFR) – has opposed and welcomed the “permanent introduction” of the 20-minute red card rule for “deliberate and deliberate acts”. However, new variant proposed for the Autumn Nations Series.
A statement said: “The welfare and safety of players is paramount to the core values of the game and the possibility of a permanent red card for intentional and intentional acts of foul play supports these values and protects the integrity of the game.”
Earlier this week, the FFR said any decision to permanently introduce the 20-minute red card as the only available option for referees would be an “unacceptable step backwards”.
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James Cole speaks to Steve Borthwick to discuss the serious injuries and absences in the England squad for the Autumn Internationals
However, Julie Paterson, head of rugby at Six Nations Rugby, defended the process, saying: “No trial or subsequent change will be considered without absolute confidence that the safety and welfare of the players is paramount.”
“First and foremost we need to look after the players and their interests and the trials we decided to undertake in November fulfill that commitment.”
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Sky Sports reporter James Cole explains why retaining Kevin Sinfield’s services can be seen as a huge boost for England head coach Steve Borthwick
The Autumn Nations Series will also feature:
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Conversion: Kickers have 60 seconds to complete a conversion, with the time starting immediately after the scored attempt. If a player exceeds this time limit, the conversion kick will be denied.
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Penalties: There are also 60 seconds available for a penalty kick on the goal, starting from the time the referee is informed of the decision to take the penalty kick on the goal. If a timeout occurs on the penalty attempt, the non-shooting team will be awarded a scrum at the spot of the penalty kick.
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Scrum clock: A scrum must be initiated within 30 seconds of the referee marking the scrum. A free kick will be awarded against the team that caused the delay.
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Lineout clock: A lineout must be formed within 30 seconds after the assistant referee signals the marking for a lineout. A free kick is awarded on the 15-meter line against the team that caused the delay.
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Referee on “On Mic”: Referees will be “on the microphone” at certain points within games to explain their decisions to fans.
Autumn Internationals: UK fixture list and kick-off times
Saturday November 2nd
3:10 p.m.: England vs. New Zealand, Twickenham Stadium
5.40pm: Scotland v Fiji, Murrayfield
Friday, November 8th
8.10pm: Ireland vs New Zealand, Aviva Stadium
Saturday November 9th
3.10pm: England vs Australia, Twickenham
5.40 p.m.: Italy vs. Argentina, Stadio Friuli
8:10 p.m.: France vs. Japan, Stade de France
Sunday, November 10th
1.40pm: Wales vs Fiji, Principality Stadium
4.10pm: Scotland v South Africa, Murrayfield
Friday, November 15th
8.10pm: Ireland vs Argentina, Aviva Stadium
Saturday November 16th
3.10pm: Scotland vs Portugal, Murrayfield
5.40pm: England v South Africa, Twickenham
8:10 p.m.: France vs. New Zealand, Stade de France
Sunday, November 17th
1.40 p.m.: Italy vs. Georgia, Stadio Luigi Ferraris
4.10pm: Wales vs Australia, Principality Stadium
Friday, November 22nd
8:10 p.m.: France vs. Argentina, Stade de France
Saturday November 23rd
3.10pm: Ireland vs Fiji, Aviva Stadium
5.40pm: Wales vs South Africa, Principality Stadium
8.10 p.m.: Italy versus New Zealand, Allianz Stadium, Turin
Sunday, November 24th
1.40pm: Scotland v Australia, Murrayfield
4.10pm: England v Japan, Twickenham
Saturday November 30th
3.10pm: Ireland vs Australia, Aviva Stadium
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