Five new possible rule changes are being tried out in South Africa at Stellenbosch University.  The Rugby Times reports that the IRB under their Law Reform Project are looking at changing some of the rules to improve the game. 

The leader of the project, Bill Nolan, is reported as saying "We're looking at the game in a new light with the idea of making it simpler and easier to play and referee and to ensure rugby is understood and enjoyed be the increasing number of spectators that are being  attracted to the game."

There are five possible rule changes are being watched by international coaches at a number of trial matches at Stellenbosch University.  The possible rule changes are:

1. The ball being allowed to be played with the hand at the breakdown.
2. Only foul play and offside would result in a penalty other offences resulting in free kicks.
3. Free-kicks taken by a tap kick or a scrum only
4. Teams no longer having to match up numbers in a line-out.
5. Changes with regards to bringing a maul to ground by the defending team

I can see that some thought has gone into these plans and I am not sure what the step is.  I expect that these are only in the early stages and rugby rules seem to have changed a lot since I started watching rugby forty years ago most for the better.  Are not some of these going back to older rules?

Please take your time to vote my poll as to what you think, it will only be open until Monday night before our man of the match returns.  So please vote now.

SORRY POLL FINISHED 69% say implement some but not all.

If you have any comments on this page please email Frank

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