The new World Rugby law changes

  • July 27th, 2017
  • Camilla Chapman

From the 1st of August, six new law amendments will be trialled in the Northern Hemisphere, as approved by World Rugby, with the Southern Hemisphere following suit from the beginning of 2018. The amendments have already been tested out during the year, including during the British and Irish Lions tour in New Zealand, and aims at making the game simpler to follow and safer for both players and the referees.

The six law amendments are as follows:

Feeding the ball into the scrum - law 20.5 & 20.5 (d) 5


The scrum-half must feed the ball in straight but can align their shoulder on the middle line of the scrum, which will allow them to stand a shoulder width towards their own side of the middle line. The aim of this amendment is to promote more stability in the scrum, making it a fair contest but also giving the advantage to the team throwing the ball in.

Handling in the scrum - law 20.9 (b)


The number eight will be allowed to pick up the ball from the feet of the second-rows, rather than waiting for the ball to make its way to between his legs, which is the current rule. This law amendment will look to increase continuity in the game.

Striking after the feed in a scrum - law 20


Once the ball touches the ground in the tunnel, any front-row player can use either foot to try and win possession. One player from the team that put the ball in must strike for the ball. Again this is to try promote a fair contest for possession, but will be sanctioned with a free kick if necessary.

Law 15.4 (c)


The tackler must get up before playing the ball and then can only play from their side of the tackle. This will make the game simpler for both players and referees to follow when it comes to tackling and rucks, as well as making it more consistent with the law.

Ruck - law 16


A ruck commences when one player is on their feet and over the ball on the ground, whether this is with the tackled player or the tackler -offside lines are created at this point. Players on their feet may use their hands to pick the ball up as long as it is immediate, but as soon as an opposition player arrives, no hands can be used. Again this amendment is to make the ruck simpler for both the referee and the players.

Other ruck offences - law 16.4


Players must not kick the ball out of the ruck and they can only hook it in a backwards motion, to protect the players' welfare and making it more consistent with scrum law. Any breaking in this rule with will result in a penalty being awarded to the opposition side.

Make sure you and your players are fully up-to-date with the new amendments so you don't get caught out on the pitch! For more information, take a look at this helpful factsheet.