TMO Bunker confirmed for Rugby World Cup 2023
World Rugby has officially confirmed that the upcoming Rugby World Cup 2023 in France will see the integration of the Foul Play Review Official – commonly referred to as the ‘Bunker’ – and the shot clock, with the objective of enhancing match officials’ decision-making capabilities and elevating the overall fan experience.
The inclusion of these measures follows successful trials during various prominent rugby tournaments, including the Summer Nations Series, World Rugby U20 Championship, The Rugby Championship, and Super Rugby Pacific.
The Bunker was recently used in the case of red cards for England’s Owen Farrell and Billy Vunipola, who both had yellow cards upgraded in recent warm-up matches against Wales and Ireland respectively.
The decision to implement these innovations across the tournament’s 48 matches was ratified by the international federation’s Executive Board.
Operating from the International Broadcast Centre in Paris, the Foul Play Review Official will be responsible for reviewing contentious foul play incidents that do not exhibit clear and unmistakable red card infractions. Utilizing comprehensive video footage, including advanced Hawk-Eye split screen and zoom technology, the Review Official will have a maximum of eight minutes to examine the incident and communicate their findings to the on-field officials.
Referees will retain their role as the primary decision-makers during matches. However, they will now have the authority to refer potential foul play situations to the Foul Play Review Official in situations where the severity of the offense remains ambiguous. If an incident falls short of an obvious red card violation but meets the threshold for a yellow card, the referee will signal a formal review by crossing their arms. The player involved will be temporarily removed from the field in accordance with the existing sin-bin regulations, lasting for a period of 10 minutes.
The outcomes of the Foul Play Review Official’s assessments will be presented to the stadium audience and television viewers through prominent display on the big screens within the venue and broadcast graphics.
Depending on the Review Official’s determination, the player may either be allowed to resume play with a yellow card upheld, or in the event of a more severe offense, be shown a red card and subsequently barred from further participation in the match.
In addition to the Foul Play Review Official, the Rugby World Cup 2023 will also showcase the implementation of the 2023 Law Application guidelines, inclusive of the shot clock. This digital countdown display will inform players of the time remaining, as stipulated by the laws of the game, for taking conversions and penalty kicks. With an aim to reduce time-wasting and bolster the pace of the game, the shot clock’s countdown will be visible both on in-stadium screens and broadcast feeds.
World Rugby Director of Rugby Phil Davies said: “Rugby World Cup is the pinnacle event in men’s test rugby, a global showcase and an inspiration to millions. The advancement of technology is bringing fans closer to the sport than ever before and helping us create a better, safer spectacle. The Foul Play Review Official process, combined with the Law Application Guidelines, will aid the flow of the game, delivering a better experience, while also supporting match officials reach the right outcomes as quickly as possible.
“I would like to thank all our match officials, the teams and everyone involved in the organisation of tournaments and matches for embracing our vision and getting behind the innovations. Having witnessed the amount of hard work and collaboration, we are looking forward to what promises to be a spectacular Rugby World Cup.”
World Rugby is also introducing a new replacement manager app for match officials, replacing the conventional paper and card system. This technologically advanced app facilitates real-time recording of scoring, replacements, and other vital statistics, contributing to a more streamlined and efficient recording process. The app is available for download on the App Store, accessible to competitions and clubs of all levels.
Comments on RugbyPass
Mark Telea is a lot of things, but a defensive juggernaut has never been one of them. There will be far bigger tests in that regard for the youngster.
9 Go to commentsLove and respect to Fiji but not a chance outside of 7s
3 Go to commentsGood summation Ned. Agree the Canes were out-muscled for once (except at the scrum!) by a focused Brumbies outfit. Tua deserves consideration for higher honors after the way he humbled Jordie and the Canes defense. Thankfully, his lack of eligibility for Oz keeps him from Joe’s plans. While I also agree the injuries affected the Canes performance, some players seemed to lack focus and intensity for this match. Perhaps after the Blues demolished the Brumbies, they thought it was going to be easy? A good reminder that any slip up in preparation can have a big affect on the result. Brumbies deserved that win.
1 Go to commentsKarl Dixon should never have been appointed this fixture, absolute disgrace, He’s not much of a referee anyway, didn't have the balls to send his mate care off
5 Go to commentsBrilliant article! Harry of 8/9
1 Go to comments‘UK athletes' have been in the NFL from the start.
1 Go to commentsIt’s going to be Scott Barrett. He’s the coaches mate and captain of a previously elite team. Ardie a great option but scooter has worked with the coach and Ardie still as big a leader as needed.
23 Go to commentsI commend Colin Scotts bio All Balls. He was the first Aussie to make it to NFL. But he was poached and did a full apprenticeship at the University of Hawaii. He was 130kgs surfed played 1st grade cricket etc. big guy by normal but not NFL standards and a top athlete. Even then the nfl were picking up Tongans and Samoans for their natural size and explosive power. They want explosive power not cardio from the big boys so a guy like Taniela Tupou would have been good if picked up young enough. He has fast twitch and they’d bulk the little lad up and give him something to do. soccer teams set up academies and look for Over Sara’s talent eg Messi was at Barcelona since a teenager and harry kewell went to Leeds as a teenager like 16 or something.
11 Go to commentsThe article alludes to the fact that this isn’t about picking a captain. But picking a great captain. So who would make for a great All Black captain - not just an obvious or safe shoo-in? I’m not sure Ardie’s the guy and Barret doesn’t stand out either.
23 Go to commentsI guess we may all agree on the fact, that the ABs and Boks are the two in contest for No 1 in rugby history (the triple-A sort of) …. the Wallabies, England and France are the next tier, with Ireland being the new kid in town (AA) …. in my view it makes little sense creating imaginary competitions (unless you have too much time to waste)
45 Go to commentsWhat a joke. Total joke and the pundits commentating, all of whom know a bit about the game, could barely disguise their contempt. Reaching for the card then pulling back when he realised a red card would carry further match suspensions is simply not his decision to make. A clear and obvious influence on the outcome of this match and indeed, the championship path.
5 Go to commentsI like the idea, in NZ the Ranfurly Shield and NPC coexist, both having their own bragging rights. The World Cup would be the pinnacle, but the competition and travels of these trophies would be interesting.
45 Go to commentsDon’t worry Sonny bill Williams leave that awkward situation about the curfew in the pass whoever it was it doesn’t matter its no big deal we back our All Blacks through the storm and the thunder until we see the Sun light again.
42 Go to commentsWho listens to this retard? He was a massive liability as a player but obviously a media sensation
42 Go to commentsI’m not surprised by such ‘virtue signalling’ by Sonny Boy. Butter wouldn’t melt in his mouth. He’s such a pious Islamic muppet, imo.
42 Go to commentsI’ve actually never heard of the guy (then I don’t watch League as it is boring). But if he is good enough.. then good luck to him. If not, well, he can always return to league.
2 Go to commentsIt is pretty clear that by almost any measure that NZ are a more successful rugby nation than South Africa. Quite aside from the distasteful events during the last RWC final. NZ lead SA in all significant measurements.
45 Go to commentsDickson went to his pocket for a card, saw who it was, changed his mind and spoke at length to TMO. One angle clearly shows Care diving over a Saints player to kill the ball. 1st yellow, reason given for not Red was player was falling backwards. He was only falling backwards after contact with Lawes. Graham try should have stood. Mitchell did not have both hands on the ball, ball went forward from a Saints boot dragging over it. 2 intentional knock-on's. One of which had an overlap on the outside. If Quins are happy to win by intentional foul play, then it does not say much for them. Would appear to be a bad day for Karl Dickson, also for the RFU in appointing a Ref who spent 8 years as a player at one of the clubs.
5 Go to commentsLet’s not forget about Ardie Savea just yet.
9 Go to commentsThe URC and the Euro Championscup can’t run at the same time, basically dilutes both competitions.
2 Go to comments