World Rugby

World Rugby's new concussion rules means longer sideline stints for players

Under new criteria, which is implemented in the global elite game from July 1, the vast majority of players diagnosed with concussion are set to miss their next match.

It follows the latest review of scientific evidence and rugby-specific research by World Rugby’s 17-strong independent concussion working group.

Currently, a player who fails a head injury assessment could conceivably feature again the following weekend, provided they follow and pass return-to-play protocols.

Fijian Drua and Moana Pasifika's success benefits national teams

With the objective of increasing the competitiveness of the international game, World Rugby has part-funded the franchises to provide an impactful environment and pathway that will ultimately benefit Fiji, Samoa and Tonga on the biggest stage – Rugby World Cup.

The selection of 43 players for the Pacific Nations Cup from Moana Pasifika and Fijian Drua is an important step in that journey, providing each union with the benefit of access to a group of players performing in an environment geared towards achieving success at international level.

Hollie Davidson and all-female referee team to make history in men's rugby test

The June 25 fixture at the Estadio do Restelo in Lisbon will be the first men’s international to have been controlled by an all-women’s team, with Davidson to be joined by assistant referees Sara Cox (England) and Aurelie Groizeleau (France), along with Claire Hodnett (England) as the TMO.

It will also be the first time a female ref has taken charge of a men’s Six Nations team in a test match.

Davidson described it as a “tremendous honour and an achievement I am proud of”.

World Rugby to help Tonga begin rebuilding

The fund led by the international federation will finance capital projects such as the rebuilding of the Tonga Rugby Union's offices and high-performance gymnasium as well as the rehabilitation of rugby grounds across Tonga.

In addition to its initial pledge, World Rugby will set-up a process to facilitate donations by member unions, regions, rugby bodies and individuals and empower its global family to support the return of rugby in Tonga.

World Rugby clamps down on water-carrying coaches

Erasmus controversially used the role to pass on advice to his team during the British and Irish Lions' series and autumn Tests last year.

"The number of people who aren't players interrupting the flow of the game was getting out of hand," said World Rugby's Mark Harrington.

Head coaches and directors of rugby are explicitly banned from carrying water.

The new rules also state that water carriers will be allowed to come on to the pitch only twice in each half. At other times they must remain in a technical zone on the touchline.

World Rugby move fast to outlaw law exploitation sweeping sport

Saracens are credited with creating the new loophole known as ‘crabbing’, a cousin of caterpillar rucking – which still remains legal.

With the caterpillar technique, players join rucks single file, leading to a queue of players behind a ruck. It allows nines to box kick without fear of being charged down by opposition defenders, as they are simply too far away from the scrumhalf to do anything.

Changes on the cards as UK government steps in to tackle concussion in sport

Developed by the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS), the plan vows to develop “new protocols” for all sports, ranging from the grassroots to the elite level, while a research forum will be set up to address what it sees as “knowledge gaps” in the current system.

“The plan sets out steps that will be taken to improve understanding, awareness, prevention and treatment of concussion in sport in grassroots, educational and elite settings,” the DCMS said in a statement. “This will be through a combination of improved research and the use of new technologies.

World Rugby Sevens Series to make return as new campaign begins in Dubai

Australia secured the Olympic women’s rugby sevens title at the rescheduled Tokyo 2Games earlier this year, where they overcame France in the final.

The two teams will renew their rivalry in the pool phase of the Dubai Sevens at The Sevens, which returns after the 2020 to 2021 series was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Australia and France will be joined in Pool A by Brazil, Spain and the United States.

“We’re super excited to be here," said Demi Hayes, Australia’s team captain.

Test rugby gets shake-up as World Rugby agrees to transfer changes

It will now permit an international player to transfer once from one union to another subject to demonstrating a close and credible link to that union via birthright.

A three-step criteria will be applied for a player to change: The player must stand down from international rugby for 36 months, the player must either be born in the country to which they wish to transfer or have a parent or grandparent born in that country, and a player may only change union once. Each case will be subject to approval by the World Rugby regulations committee to preserve the integrity.

World Rugby confirm details of final RWC2021 qualification comp

The tournament will take place at The Sevens Stadium in Dubai on the 18th and 24th of February, 2022.

Scotland, Samoa, Colombia, and the winner of the Hong Kong versus Kazakhstan play-off will fight for the final remaining spot at the Rugby World Cup 2021 in New Zealand, which will now take place between October 8 and November 12, 2022.