World Rugby has made changes to its laws to try and improve the "entertainment factor" of the game to try and grow the sport and make it easier for viewers to understand what's going on.
Announced today, three laws are to be amended which World Rugby said will allow for a better fan experience by "increasing the spectacle, safety and game simplicity".
The most interesting law to be changed is that teams will no longer be able to opt for a scrum from a free-kick. World Rugby said that this is being implemented to try and speed up the game and players will now have to choose to tap the ball, or kick.
One law is being changed to increase player safety by banning the 'crocodile roll' clearout technique which is when players roll or twist a player on their feet at the breakdown.
To try and create a more free-flowing game and combat the dull 'kick tennis' that has creeped into the game over recent years, players can now no longer be put onside from an open play kick if the opposition runs 5m, or passes the ball.
"Offside players must make an attempt to retreat, creating space for the opposition team to play," World Rugby said.
The law changes come into effect from July 1.
World Rugby will also be trialling new law changes allowing teams to replace red carded players after 20 minutes.
New Zealand Rugby (NZR) has already been trialling this new law change in the Super Rugby Pacific and in all grades of community rugby, where players have been replaced after 20 minutes to minimise the impact cards can have on the integrity of the match.
World Rugby said that foul play will still be sanctioned accordingly with an automatic two week suspension for minor errors in technique or timing. An automatic four week suspension for aggravated foul play will be trialled in an attempt to provide consistency to the way matches are officiated.
Another idea being trialled is adding a 30 second shot clock for scrums and lineouts.
These will be trialled at World Rugby competitions this year, including WXV, the Pacific Nations Cup and U20 Championship from July 1.
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