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World Rugby take next step in introducing 'TMO bunker'

By Ian Cameron
Referee Jaco Peyper red cards Freddie Steward in Dublin (Photo by Brian Lawless/PA Images via Getty Images)

World Rugby is set to further trial the Television Match Official (TMO) Bunker – a new innovation in officiating – at the 2023 World Rugby U20 World Championship.

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World Rugby believe the technology has the potential to revolutionize the game, reducing lengthy stoppages and promoting accurate decision-making for foul play involving head contact.

The TMO Bunker has already been trialled in Super Rugby Pacific, and World Rugby is keen to explore its potential further. The organization has been seeking out innovations that can enhance game flow and improve player welfare, and the TMO Bunker promises to do just that.

The trial will be based on a set of principles designed to ensure that the technology is implemented in a way that benefits the game as a whole. World Rugby will be consulting with stakeholders throughout the process to ensure that the trial is as successful as possible.

The trial will be based on the following principles: As is currently the case, clear and obvious red cards for foul play involving contact with the head will receive a red card resulting in the player being permanently removed from the game and unable to be replaced.

For any incident where a red card is not obvious, a yellow card will be issued and dedicated foul play reviewers in a central bunker review the incident using all available technology and footage.

Once 10 minutes has elapsed, the yellow card is either upheld and the player returns to the action or it is upgraded and the player permanently leaves the field, unable to be replaced.

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The TMO Bunker is part of World Rugby’s bid to further incorporate technology that can assist officiating, enhance game flow, and advance player welfare. Some critics have questioned the pace of the game and refereeing decisions, and the TMO Bunker promises to address these issues head-on.

The trial at the 2023 World Rugby U20 World Championship will be closely watched by fans and players alike, as the rugby community eagerly anticipates the results. If successful, the TMO Bunker could become a permanent fixture of the sport, transforming the way the game is played and officiated.

“I think it’s a good idea,” England fullback Freddie Steward told MailOnline. Steward received a controversial red card for a collision with Ireland’s Hugo Keenan during the Six Nations and the TMO bunker concept will allow TMOs more time to come to the correct decisions on crunch calls like Steward’s.

“When something like that happens it can take the sting out of the game with the TMO and the referee involved,” said Steward. “I think it’s a good idea to leave that to other officials to review while the game can continue. I think it’s brilliant.”

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Bull Shark 2 hours ago
Jake White: Are modern rugby players actually better?

Of the rugby I’ve born witness to in my lifetime - 1990 to date - I recognize great players throughout those years. But I have no doubt the game and the players are on average better today. So I doubt going back further is going to prove me wrong. The technical components of the game, set pieces, scrums, kicks, kicks at goal. And in general tactics employed are far more efficient, accurate and polished. Professional athletes that have invested countless hours on being accurate. There is one nation though that may be fairly competitive in any era - and that for me is the all blacks. And New Zealand players in general. NZ produces startling athletes who have fantastic ball skills. And then the odd phenomenon like Brooke. Lomu. Mcaw. Carter. Better than comparing players and teams across eras - I’ve often had this thought - that it would be very interesting to have a version of the game that is closer to its original form. What would the game look like today if the rules were rolled back. Not rules that promote safety obviously - but rules like: - a try being worth 1 point and conversion 2 points. Hence the term “try”. Earning a try at goals. Would we see more attacking play? - no lifting in the lineouts. - rucks and break down laws in general. They looked like wrestling matches in bygone eras. I wonder what a game applying 1995 rules would look like with modern players. It may be a daft exercise, but it would make for an interesting spectacle celebrating “purer” forms of the game that roll back the rules dramatically by a few versions. Would we come to learn that some of the rules/combinations of the rules we see today have actually made the game less attractive? I’d love to see an exhibition match like that.

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