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No change to laws as rugby stakerholders focus turns to fan experience

Jack Crowley signs a rugby ball during an Ireland Rugby open training session at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin. (Photo By Paul Phelan/Sportsfile via Getty Images)

Global rugby leaders have agreed there will be no immediate changes to the laws of the game, as the sport’s attention shifts towards overall fan experience, among other things.

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The commitment was made during World Rugby’s annual Shape of the Game week, which brought together senior figures from across the sport. Union and competition chief executives, players, coaches, referees and commercial and fan engagement specialists were among those involved in discussions aimed at strengthening the sport’s global product.

A World Rugby statement reads: “The clear feedback from stakeholders, including union and competition chief executives, players, coaches, referees, commercial and fan experts, is that the on-field product is in a strong, positive place. The focus should therefore be on enhancements and advancements to unlock the full fan and commercial potential of the sport – through the way the sport is presented, elevation of its personalities and fan experience.”

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Among the key outcomes was universal agreement that no changes to the laws are currently required. Attendees endorsed the four global law trials already in operation, which will go before council in June for consideration of full adoption.

There was also a shared commitment to better explain, market and celebrate the sport across broadcast, digital and social platforms. Building recognisable stars and maximising the value of in-game moments were identified as central to increasing collective value.

Greater alignment of laws and refereeing directives across elite competitions was highlighted as a priority, with the aim of improving consistency and fan understanding. While some closed law trials may continue, there will be an evaluation of the optimal scope and use of technology, including the Television Match Official.

Regarding the women’s game, the statement says: “The women’s game is experiencing an exciting period of growth, with performance investment and player salaries rising in recognition of the value and talent within the sport. World Rugby and unions are committed to building on this progress in a way that is both ambitious and sustainable;  By unlocking new value together, we will make strategic, impactful investments that strengthen the foundations of the game and enable its continued expansion.”

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World Rugby Chair Brett Robinson said: “The feedback from around the world is that the game on the field is broadly in a positive place. The message this week is to focus on better explaining, selling and celebrating our sport in what is an ever more competitive environment.

“Our heritage and our values are strengths, and so too is our capacity to innovate. By continuing to enhance the rugby experience – how we present the game, how we tell our stories, how we connect with fans and how we protect our players – we will futureproof the sport and unlock even greater global relevance and value.”

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Comments

34 Comments
J
JW 45 days ago

advancements to unlock the full fan and commercial potential of the sport – through the way the sport is presented, elevation of its personalities and fan experience.”

Lets hope stage one is creating a fun and interesting environment around player abilities, I find the introduce of the ratings metrics in Crickets World Cup really cool.


Fanstay rugby has been a boon to SANZAAR and Super Rugby, the improvement of statistical analysis should be imperative even just looking at the value it’s provided to commentary on this site.

T
The Flying Dutchman 46 days ago

I’m a NZer. Thank you for saving the scrums!


On behalf of the actual rugby public I would like to apologise to the wider rugby world for our unions behaviour over the last decade. The adults are back in charge. Hopefully we will have some sanity soon.

J
JW 45 days ago

We certainly aren’t seeing that within NZR Dutchmen. The NZ SR coachs appear to be going full bore at the NH kicking approach though!

D
DP 46 days ago

Nice try Kiwis and Ozzies, you’re no longer relevant. Enjoy your “super rugby/basketball”.


Pathetic attempt to reshape a brilliant code into something that would benefit your one dimensional style of play inorder to leverage a shot at a World Cup win. Slow handclap.

J
JW 45 days ago

What are you talking about?

G
GRB13 46 days ago

The New Zealanders & Australians must be crying 😢.

H
Hammer Head 46 days ago

Hallelujah

u
unknown 46 days ago

NZ and Australia,after kicking SA out of Super Rugby, will continue to lose ground to the Boks and European nations. Tampering with the laws is their answer in an attempt to slow down that growing divide.

J
JW 45 days ago

SR has always tampered with the laws, its the trial league because it is so short, it would be much worse for a league like PREM for instance as their players would have to become so much more tied to it before international footy started, not to mention european leagues.


SA were actually one of the main drivers of change during their SR times, I wouldn’t say it’s doing any better now because SA isn’t part of it.

P
PR 46 days ago

Well done South Africa, France and the other nations that blocked NZ and Australia from depowering the scrum and turning Test rugby into League.

J
JW 45 days ago

What on earth are you on about? There hasn’t been any talk around these parts about changing the game, were very happy, seemingly, with where it’s been in the last couple of years.


I do worry though as you congratulations is totally misplaced. As the article says these changes will be made in June, not now. I really hope you’re just a South African on a standard trip.

H
Hammer Head 46 days ago

You’re most welcome!

G
GS 46 days ago

But still no straight put in to the scrum, straight lineout through down the middle, hookers foot outside the field of play or kick off on the halfway line, not 1mt inside opposition half ?? None of which slow down the game or spoil viewing. 2 of which make for a fairer competition for possession

u
unknown 47 days ago

No thanks to the Kiwis and Aussies I’m certain!

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