World Rugby has approved four Global Law Trials. These will take effect as new laws in the USA on January 1, 2025 for rugby at all levels and all versions.
The Trial laws are very close to the way we have previously recommended referees officiate these phases anyway, so – while these are important changes and teams should ensure that all players understand them – they should not change the way the game is played.
- Changes are made for cleaner play from scrums, rucks, and mauls. Players who were part of a ruck or maul may not play an opponent taking the ball from the ruck or maul. At scrums, the scrum-half of the team not in possession may not go past the center of the tunnel.
- Conversion kicks must be taken within 60 seconds (down from 90) [the 30 second limit remains for Sevens].
- Lineouts must be formed within 30 seconds (the same as already in law for scrums.)
- Play continues on a throw not straight at an uncontested lineout.
WR has provided a press release and the exact text of the laws.
USA Rugby will be hosting a webinar to review the changes and answer your questions on Tuesday, 7 January 2025, 8:30pm EST.
A discussion of FAQs will be available around 15 December HERE.
An update to the USA Game Management Guidelines for the 2024-25 season will be available around 15 December HERE.
Though the notice is short, we do not believe these changes will be difficult for teams or officials to implement. Any competition that has started or will start before 1 January can request an exemption, but the exemption is not automatic. Please send email to laws@usa.rugby with any questions about the changes or to request an exemption for a specific competition. We will try address all questions in the upcoming FAQs and webinar.
For teams starting up their season after the new year, here’s a reminder of the changes that took effect September 1 in the USA.
- Tackles must be below the base of the sternum and ball carriers may not lead with their head into a tackler, with limited exceptions. This is a significant change; teams should ensure that all players understand it. A one-page guideline with the law text, details, and diagrams can be found HERE.
- On kicks, players of the kicking team ahead of the kick may not loiter, but must retreat until onside, even if they are more than 10 meters from where the ball is expected to land. Also, players are NOT put onside by an opponent running 5 meters with the ball, or passing the ball. This is a significant change; teams should ensure that all players understand it.
- The so-called "gator" or “crocodile" roll on a jackler, or player attempting to start a ruck is illegal and considered dangerous play. A player may still be levered out of the contest or driven back.
- When awarded a free kick, a team may NOT opt for a scrummage.
The information from World Rugby explaining the changes can be found HERE and the exact text of the laws can be found HERE.
Further questions can be directed to the Law Application Working Group at laws@usa.rugby.
