World Rugby implements water breaks across Rugby World Cup

Water breaks will be implemented across all Rugby World Cup games this weekend amid soaring temperatures in France.

Paris – the setting for the hosts’ clash with New Zealand on Friday night – is in the grip of a heatwave with daily temperatures of 35 degrees Celsius expected to last until Monday.

Two matches are being staged in Marseille, including England’s opener against Argentina, where it has reached 30 degrees.

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“Water breaks will operate midway through both halves at a natural break in play. The process will be managed by the referee,” a World Rugby statement read.

“The process has operated at previous World Cups and across rugby more broadly when temperatures are hot or humid and is catered for in the tournament’s regulations.”