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31
Wasps Rugby Discussion / The Cheetahs Still at it.
« on: April 01, 2024, 06:14:34 PM »
RugbyInsideLine
@RugbyInsideLine
🐯 BREAKING: Leicester Tigers breached the salary cap by ?47,136.91 in 2019/20.
They will be fined ?1 for every ?1 overspend
@RugbyInsideLine
🐯 BREAKING: Leicester Tigers breached the salary cap by ?47,136.91 in 2019/20.
They will be fined ?1 for every ?1 overspend
32
Wasps Rugby Discussion / Re: Government at odds with Premiership rugby clubs over ?150million Covid-19 loans.
« on: March 31, 2024, 10:36:26 PM »However the HMRC are acting as "collection agents" for the DCMS. If I remember correctly it was them deciding that we were likely to default on tax (which they had previously came to an arrangement about) and the DCMS loan that brought about our demise.Unless there is strong political pressure (from the PM), HMRC simply ignore any requests and pleas. You owe it. It is due. Pay or we will see you in Court. Soon. They do not care for the societal consequences.As far AIUI this isn't an HMRC issue, its a loan from DCMS. So as long as the clubs are paying their taxes it should be none of HMRCs business.
Correct
33
Wasps Rugby Discussion / Re: Government at odds with Premiership rugby clubs over ?150million Covid-19 loans.
« on: March 31, 2024, 12:49:52 PM »Unless there is strong political pressure (from the PM), HMRC simply ignore any requests and pleas. You owe it. It is due. Pay or we will see you in Court. Soon. They do not care for the societal consequences.
Which as a tax payer I am in full agreement with.
34
Wasps Rugby Discussion / Government at odds with Premiership rugby clubs over ?150million Covid-19 loans.
« on: March 30, 2024, 11:01:28 PM »
Government at odds with Premiership rugby clubs over ?150million Covid-19 loans... as some seek deferrals ahead of first repayment date
Mail Sport has learned first payments on loans are due to be made imminently
Some Premiership clubs are seeking to put back the first repayment date
The Government want to impose tougher terms on clubs with rich owners
By Matt Hughes
Published: 14:01, 27 March 2024 | Updated: 21:14, 27 March 2024
The government are at loggerheads with Premiership rugby clubs over their attempts to secure deferrals on the repayment of over ?150million of Covid-19 loans.
Mail Sport has learned that the first tranche of payments on loans given to keep professional rugby alive during the pandemic are due imminently, with some clubs seeking to put back the repayment date.
The government are understood to have indicated a willingness to extend the loans in returning for securing a longer repayment period, but want reassurances that the clubs have sustainable business plans and are not simply seeking to put off meeting their financial obligations to taxpayers.
It is understood that there is some frustration in government that having provided loans at low interest rates with a lengthy repayment period some clubs are looking to alter the terms at the first opportunity.
Mail Sport has been told that the Department for Culture, Media and Sport want to impose tougher terms on clubs with the richest owners.
Premiership rugby are attempting to secure deferrals on the repayment of Covid-19 loans
Premiership rugby are attempting to secure deferrals on the repayment of Covid-19 loans
All the clubs owe different amounts to the government, but Premiership Rugby Limited are adamant they should all be treated equally and that the wealth of individual owners is irrelevant given the sport?s salary cap restrictions.
Rugby?s financial problems have worsened considerably since the pandemic with Wasps, Worcester and London Irish all going out of business over the last 18 months to leave the Premiership with just 10 clubs. While all of the clubs have been involved in talks with government only a handful have formally requested an extension.
The problem of four fewer league games each season and reduced ticket and hospitality revenue has been compounded by a drop in value of Premiership rugby?s TV deal with TNT Sports, who as Mail Sport revealed last month have agreed a two-year extension on reduced terms.
In talks with government PRL are understood to have pointed out that in addition to the important community work provided by the clubs they also contributed significantly to the national economy, paying around ?80m in tax each year.
The clubs? negotiating position with government has not been helped by the controversial decision to increase their individual salary cap from ?5m to ?6.4m next season as it has created the impression that some clubs have money to spare, although the PRL are hopeful that they can convince their members to reduce the cap again the following season.
Rugby?s financial problems have worsened since the pandemic with Wasps, Worcester and London Irish all going out of business over the last 18 months
The government?s position is being reinforced by the fact that the clubs are one-third owned by CVC Capital Partners, a private equity firm who are preparing to float on the Amsterdam stock market with a valuation of ?12billion, so there is reluctance for UK taxpayers to further subsidise their investment in rugby.
The insolvencies of Wasp, Worcester and London Irish have already cost the government over ?50m in unpaid taxes and other debts to public bodies.
The clubs? negotiating position with government has not been helped by the controversial decision to increase their individual salary cap from ?5m to ?6.4m next season as it has created the impression that some clubs have money to spare, although the PRL are hopeful that they can convince their members to reduce the cap again the following season.
Mail Sport has learned first payments on loans are due to be made imminently
Some Premiership clubs are seeking to put back the first repayment date
The Government want to impose tougher terms on clubs with rich owners
By Matt Hughes
Published: 14:01, 27 March 2024 | Updated: 21:14, 27 March 2024
The government are at loggerheads with Premiership rugby clubs over their attempts to secure deferrals on the repayment of over ?150million of Covid-19 loans.
Mail Sport has learned that the first tranche of payments on loans given to keep professional rugby alive during the pandemic are due imminently, with some clubs seeking to put back the repayment date.
The government are understood to have indicated a willingness to extend the loans in returning for securing a longer repayment period, but want reassurances that the clubs have sustainable business plans and are not simply seeking to put off meeting their financial obligations to taxpayers.
It is understood that there is some frustration in government that having provided loans at low interest rates with a lengthy repayment period some clubs are looking to alter the terms at the first opportunity.
Mail Sport has been told that the Department for Culture, Media and Sport want to impose tougher terms on clubs with the richest owners.
Premiership rugby are attempting to secure deferrals on the repayment of Covid-19 loans
Premiership rugby are attempting to secure deferrals on the repayment of Covid-19 loans
All the clubs owe different amounts to the government, but Premiership Rugby Limited are adamant they should all be treated equally and that the wealth of individual owners is irrelevant given the sport?s salary cap restrictions.
Rugby?s financial problems have worsened considerably since the pandemic with Wasps, Worcester and London Irish all going out of business over the last 18 months to leave the Premiership with just 10 clubs. While all of the clubs have been involved in talks with government only a handful have formally requested an extension.
The problem of four fewer league games each season and reduced ticket and hospitality revenue has been compounded by a drop in value of Premiership rugby?s TV deal with TNT Sports, who as Mail Sport revealed last month have agreed a two-year extension on reduced terms.
In talks with government PRL are understood to have pointed out that in addition to the important community work provided by the clubs they also contributed significantly to the national economy, paying around ?80m in tax each year.
The clubs? negotiating position with government has not been helped by the controversial decision to increase their individual salary cap from ?5m to ?6.4m next season as it has created the impression that some clubs have money to spare, although the PRL are hopeful that they can convince their members to reduce the cap again the following season.
Rugby?s financial problems have worsened since the pandemic with Wasps, Worcester and London Irish all going out of business over the last 18 months
The government?s position is being reinforced by the fact that the clubs are one-third owned by CVC Capital Partners, a private equity firm who are preparing to float on the Amsterdam stock market with a valuation of ?12billion, so there is reluctance for UK taxpayers to further subsidise their investment in rugby.
The insolvencies of Wasp, Worcester and London Irish have already cost the government over ?50m in unpaid taxes and other debts to public bodies.
The clubs? negotiating position with government has not been helped by the controversial decision to increase their individual salary cap from ?5m to ?6.4m next season as it has created the impression that some clubs have money to spare, although the PRL are hopeful that they can convince their members to reduce the cap again the following season.
35
Wasps Rugby Discussion / Premiership Rugby clubs post losses of almost ?25m for 2022-23 season
« on: March 29, 2024, 10:58:53 PM »Premiership Rugby clubs post losses of almost ?25m for 2022-23 season
Saracens posted biggest losses of over ?5 million, while Newcastle Falcons have not yet made their finances for 2022-23 period public
Ben Coles, Rugby Reporter 29 March 2024 ? 1:17pm
Nine of 10 Gallagher Premiership clubs have posted financial losses which total almost ?25 million for the 2022-23 season.
Newcastle Falcons have yet to publicly post their results for the last financial year but of the data available, nine clubs cumulatively made a loss of around ?23.5 million.
Saracens posted the biggest loss at ?5,295,310, with the club?s turnover of ?23,206,354 falling well short of their ?28,559,147 budget.
Bristol Bears, backed by the billionaire Steve Lansdown, finished with a total loss of ?4,554,814. Harlequins posted the highest turnover, ?26,813,85, but had the largest budget at ?30,392,791, resulting in a loss of ?3,648.893.
Gloucester produced the best results due to having a budget of ?18,291,675, which was marginally higher than the club?s turnover of ?18,162,660, making an eventual loss of ?393,079. Two other clubs produced losses which were below the half a million figure, with Sale making a ?439,294 loss and Northampton a ?467,836 loss.
Sale notably had the lowest turnover, ?11,735,339, but also the lowest budget of ?16,496,292. They were also one of only two clubs, along with fellow Premiership finalists Saracens, to produce a positive net financing costs figure of ?258,953.
The results also disclose the number of people employed by each club, with Exeter recording the highest figure of 354 of which 156 were coaches and players. Bristol employed the fewest number of people (155) and number of players and staff (87).
Exeter?s financial results, with a loss of ?3,994,469, included the hotel built on site at Sandy Park, which made a loss of ?2m over the course of the financial year. The hotel has since been sold off, with Exeter?s chairman and chief executive, Tony Rowe, buying an undisclosed stake in the Sandy Park Hotel back in December 2022 to help pay off the club?s Covid-19 loans.
Exeter said at the time: ?The fee paid for the shares by Mr Rowe not only provides an injection of capital to keep cashflow going, but will also help service substantial debts accrued by Exeter Rugby Club due to the impact of the Covid pandemic in 2020. Directors will use ?their best endeavours? to retain ?at least? 26 per cent shareholding in the hotel company.?
Premiership Rugby has been contacted for comment.
Analysis: Rugby still feeling Covid after effects
Perhaps the main factor to consider when analysing the latest accounts for the nine Premiership clubs, with Newcastle still to come, is that teams across the league are still feeling the financial effects of the pandemic, hit hard by that loss of matchday revenue.
Seeing that amount of red on a spreadsheet naturally leads to concern but among the numbers there are some positives, such as Northampton posting a record turnover of nearly ?22 million, up by a million on the previous year. Even a club in as strong a position as Northampton is still going to be confronted with costs, with their cash balance dropping due to the construction of the club?s new High Performance Centre.
The Premiership is still reeling from the loss of Worcester Warriors, Wasps and London Irish during the previous season and, predominantly, clubs appear to be cautious. Take Sale?s budget, around ?16.5 million, being almost half of that of Harlequins (?30.4 million).
The same long-term concerns remain. Certain clubs relying on the large investment of owners with deep pockets, a TV deal which lags far behind the money paid for the rights to the Top 14 in France, the fact that clubs with excellent attendance figures and large capacities ? Leicester, Northampton, Gloucester ? are occasionally falling short of making a profit. Not forgetting that the salary cap ceiling is set to rise next season from ?5 million to ?6.4 million ? the timing of which seems highly questionable ? or how the Covid-19 loans from the government will be repaid.
These are all existing issues which require long-term solutions but right now, the aim across the Premiership appears to be to create stability.
At the same time, sources close to the league are optimistic about an increase in supporter numbers this season at matches, with gate numbers continuing to climb and up by around five per cent on the previous season. The more people back in grounds, the more revenue. Right now, every extra pound feels important.
36
Wasps Rugby Discussion / Re: Nicked from the Pirates Site - Tier 2
« on: March 29, 2024, 07:04:51 PM »37
Wasps Rugby Discussion / Nicked from the Pirates Site - Tier 2
« on: March 29, 2024, 05:07:14 PM »
This update from championship clubs chairman Simon Halliday has appeared in today's media.
It doesn't say much but it is clear that RFU CEO Bill Sweeney's franchise idea is dead in the water and the latest deadline of the end of this month is going to be missed.
Hopefully the championship clubs will remain united and we will get a well structured, properly funded, 2nd tier that the game needs and the clubs deserve.
The Championship Clubs Committee met today to hear an update from their Executive on progress made in discussions about the future of Tier 2 of English rugby.
While there was at one point in the recent history of this crucial process a deadline of March 31st for the selection of clubs for a second tier, that deadline was scrapped some time ago and there are currently a series of important and intensive discussions going on around the league, which will be launched for the 2025/26 season.
Those discussions between the CCC, the RFU and, where relevant, Premiership Rugby Ltd, cover all the basic points needed to establish a new Tier 2 for the good of the English game and for the security and planning necessary to the current Championship clubs.
There is no deadline for these discussions, although clearly it is important that agreement is reached as quickly as possible so that planning for both the new Tier 2 league and for the 2024/25 season can begin.
Solid progress has been made on the various issues being discussed. The parties involved believe that an agreement is within reach, although some very important topics still need to be brought to a satisfactory conclusion for all the parties.
These are vital discussions and are taking place in an intensive, progressive and co-operative atmosphere.
No doubt, when outstanding issues are resolved, a public statement will be made, but in the meantime, please be assured that the future of Championship clubs and the interests of those who aspire to join the second tier of our game are being given the priority they deserve by all of us involved.
It doesn't say much but it is clear that RFU CEO Bill Sweeney's franchise idea is dead in the water and the latest deadline of the end of this month is going to be missed.
Hopefully the championship clubs will remain united and we will get a well structured, properly funded, 2nd tier that the game needs and the clubs deserve.
The Championship Clubs Committee met today to hear an update from their Executive on progress made in discussions about the future of Tier 2 of English rugby.
While there was at one point in the recent history of this crucial process a deadline of March 31st for the selection of clubs for a second tier, that deadline was scrapped some time ago and there are currently a series of important and intensive discussions going on around the league, which will be launched for the 2025/26 season.
Those discussions between the CCC, the RFU and, where relevant, Premiership Rugby Ltd, cover all the basic points needed to establish a new Tier 2 for the good of the English game and for the security and planning necessary to the current Championship clubs.
There is no deadline for these discussions, although clearly it is important that agreement is reached as quickly as possible so that planning for both the new Tier 2 league and for the 2024/25 season can begin.
Solid progress has been made on the various issues being discussed. The parties involved believe that an agreement is within reach, although some very important topics still need to be brought to a satisfactory conclusion for all the parties.
These are vital discussions and are taking place in an intensive, progressive and co-operative atmosphere.
No doubt, when outstanding issues are resolved, a public statement will be made, but in the meantime, please be assured that the future of Championship clubs and the interests of those who aspire to join the second tier of our game are being given the priority they deserve by all of us involved.
38
Wasps Rugby Discussion / Re: We all knew this but from others it hurts
« on: March 25, 2024, 02:04:54 PM »
And Elliot Millar-Mills has been capped by Scotland since Wasps folded!
..and been sold a new car by my son-in-law
Like others, since the Club's demise, haven't watched a Premiership match (with exception of some of the Premiership Cup games against Championship clubs - firmly supporting the latter).
I have been to watch Championship matches and Women's Premier Matches, and one National League match.
Have also watched URC and Pro 14 matches on the box.
Watch URC and Top 14 and absolutely no PRL unless I am somewhere I can't get away p[olitely! Watched live URC teams and some French Champions Cup stuff. Unfortunately my local club is a loud advocate for the EAs.
39
Wasps Rugby Discussion / Re: Interesting view on 3G Pitches
« on: March 25, 2024, 02:01:40 PM »We now go to watch Ealing, and the black clouds of crumb that constantly rise from the pitch really make you wonder how healthy they can be for the players.
Not!
40
Wasps Rugby Discussion / Re: We all knew this but from others it hurts
« on: March 25, 2024, 12:28:52 PM »I?ve also lost interest in the prem but just check the line ups to see where Wasps former players pop up.
+1
41
Wasps Rugby Discussion / We all knew this but from others it hurts
« on: March 24, 2024, 08:38:36 AM »
See new posts
Conversation
RugbyInsideLine
@RugbyInsideLine
🐝 WASPS XV
1) Opoku-Fordjour 🦈
2) Oghre 🐻
3) Koch 🇿🇦🦈
4) Launchbury 🃏
5) Fisilau ❌
6) T. Willis 💫
7) J. Willis 🚽🚽
Barbeary 🛁
9) Porter 🃏
10) Atkinson 🍒
11) Feyi-Waboso ❌
12) Hartley 💫
13) Spink 🦢
14) Odogwu 🇮🇹
15) Crossdale 🟡🔴
What could have been?
Conversation
RugbyInsideLine
@RugbyInsideLine
🐝 WASPS XV
1) Opoku-Fordjour 🦈
2) Oghre 🐻
3) Koch 🇿🇦🦈
4) Launchbury 🃏
5) Fisilau ❌
6) T. Willis 💫
7) J. Willis 🚽🚽
Barbeary 🛁 9) Porter 🃏
10) Atkinson 🍒
11) Feyi-Waboso ❌
12) Hartley 💫
13) Spink 🦢
14) Odogwu 🇮🇹
15) Crossdale 🟡🔴
What could have been?
43
Wasps Rugby Discussion / Re: Rugby?s Radical Plans in The Times
« on: March 21, 2024, 08:23:04 AM »
From The Telegraph -
Rugby law verdicts: What is changing and how would it work?
Proposed law changes include reducing tackle height in elite game and global trial of the 20-minute red card
Daniel Schofield, Deputy Rugby Union Correspondent 20 March 2024 ? 8:51am
Related Topics
World Rugby is considering lowering the tackle height in the elite game as well as a global trial of the 20-minute red card as part of a radical plan to speed up the sport and broaden its appeal.
The governing body will also examine reducing the number of replacements and reassess the use of television match officials.
Here?s our verdict on each of the key measures ? let us know in your thoughts in the comments section below.
New red card plans
The 20-minute red card, sometimes known as an orange card, is potentially the most divisive of World Rugby?s proposals. A sent off player would not be allowed to return to the field but could be replaced after 20 minutes. At a time when rugby?s authorities are grappling with a concussion lawsuit, would downgrading the punishment for a high tackle undermine their messaging? At the same time, plenty of matches have been ruined by early and often accidental actions ? see Freddie Steward in Dublin last year ? and it has proved a popular measure since it has been introduced in the southern hemisphere.
Verdict - 161 For & 79 Against
Lower tackle height
Despite the mixed messages and initial uproar at the Rugby Football Union?s decision to lower the tackle height in community rugby below the sternum in 2023, World Rugby will establish a specialist working group to look at those trials in 11 unions to ?consider appropriateness for elite rugby?. A year on the RFU?s trial has passed more successfully than was anticipated after some bungling messaging about lowering the height to the ?waist and below? which caused a mutiny among members of the governing body?s council. Taking it to the elite game would be even more challenging given the already high number of cards for high tackles.
Verdict - 89 For & 189 Against
TV match official
Many people in the game will welcome World Rugby?s proposal to look at the ?optimal remit? for the Television Match Official, via another specialist working group. The Six Nations showed several more examples of how the current system is flawed, from disallowing Sam Skinner?s perfectly good try in the Scotland v France game to TMO Ben Whitehouse intervening with Ben Earl?s no-arms tackle for France v England. Both decisions determined the result of those matches and inspired even more confusion about where the limits of the referee?s authority begins and the TMO?s ends
Verdict - 270 For & 17 Against
.
End caterpillar rucks
Without doubt, ending the dreaded caterpillar rucks will be the most popular measure among supporters. While England?s defeat to France was a largely thrilling affair, home supporters rightly booed the eternity that Alex Mitchell was allowed to direct three forwards to attach themselves to the ruck, allowing him extra space to get his box kick away. Such elaborate set-ups may no longer be possible. Now referees will be encouraged to call ?use it? much earlier, after which the attacking team has five seconds to get the ball away otherwise the defending team will be awarded a scrum.
Verdict - 338 For & 13 Against
Hookers need ?full brake foot?
This is a proposal largely driven by players? associations who have become aware of the dangers of ?axial loading? where the combined power of a scrum, which can be up to 1,000 newtons of force, can centre on a hooker?s neck. To discourage hookers from driving their heads into their opponent?s shoulder on the bind phase, hookers must have one foot set forward during the engagement sequence of setting up a scrum. This seems an easy win as hookers have long complained that the previous system has led to degenerative neck injuries. The brake foot should aim both scrum stability and safety.
Verdict - 304 For & 1 Against
Clampdown on water carriers
Neil Jenkins and Rassie Erasmus, we are looking at you. Once upon a time, water might have been taken on by a medic or physio. Now a battalion of coaches are entering the field of play at every possible to opportunity to both pass on instructions to their team and, more insidiously, to intimidate officials.
The latest example came at the weekend when Jenkins, the Welsh kicking coach, complained to referee Mathieu Raynal about his failure to spot a high tackle. As Warren Gatland said of Erasmus during the 2021 Lions series, ?if you?re the water boy running onto the pitch, you?ve got to make sure you?re carrying water.? Both the practice of coaches passing on instructions and abuse of referees should be eliminated.
Verdict - 320 For & 4 Against
Dupont law
Probably second to the caterpillar ruck in terms of unpopularity, Dupont?s law (or law 10.7b)i) to give its correct title) allows opposing players to be put onside by the a kick receiver either running five metres or passing the ball. This has led frequently to sustained bouts of tedious ?kick tennis?. The most egregious examples came in the Scotland v France Six Nations and in the Premiership game between Bath and Gloucester, where the kicking battle lasted 68 long seconds.
If World Rugby passes a resolution at its council meeting in May then players can only be put onside by a team-mate coming from behind the kicker or the kicker themselves. This seems to have resolved the problem in its trial in Super Rugby Pacific. The vast majority of supporters would welcome this being implemented globally.
Verdict - 299 For & 5 Against
Verdict
The vast majority of World Rugby?s recommendations or investigations propose some well-meaning solutions to some vexed problems. No one would mourn the death of caterpillar rucks or the interminable bouts of kick tennis. At elite level, rugby is an entertainment business and a lot of these proposed changes would seem to make the sport a more attractive proposition. The problem is the law of unintended consequences.
Rugby?s lawbook has become so dense and cluttered in recent years as laws pile upon laws seeking to rectify other laws. A case in point is that the problem of axial loading was a consequence of the ?crouch, bind, set? scrum engagement sequence that World Rugby introduced in 2013 to remove the ?hit? element of the scrum.
Older readers will know how removing rucking introduced a host of other problems, including the crocodile roll that World Rugby are now trying to outlaw. The 20-minute red card may well make rugby a more entertaining sport but will it also encourage teams to revert to a more upright tackling style? And if the scrum option is removed from a free-kick at a scrum will that encourage weaker packs to go to ground?
Rugby law verdicts: What is changing and how would it work?
Proposed law changes include reducing tackle height in elite game and global trial of the 20-minute red card
Daniel Schofield, Deputy Rugby Union Correspondent 20 March 2024 ? 8:51am
Related Topics
World Rugby is considering lowering the tackle height in the elite game as well as a global trial of the 20-minute red card as part of a radical plan to speed up the sport and broaden its appeal.
The governing body will also examine reducing the number of replacements and reassess the use of television match officials.
Here?s our verdict on each of the key measures ? let us know in your thoughts in the comments section below.
New red card plans
The 20-minute red card, sometimes known as an orange card, is potentially the most divisive of World Rugby?s proposals. A sent off player would not be allowed to return to the field but could be replaced after 20 minutes. At a time when rugby?s authorities are grappling with a concussion lawsuit, would downgrading the punishment for a high tackle undermine their messaging? At the same time, plenty of matches have been ruined by early and often accidental actions ? see Freddie Steward in Dublin last year ? and it has proved a popular measure since it has been introduced in the southern hemisphere.
Verdict - 161 For & 79 Against
Lower tackle height
Despite the mixed messages and initial uproar at the Rugby Football Union?s decision to lower the tackle height in community rugby below the sternum in 2023, World Rugby will establish a specialist working group to look at those trials in 11 unions to ?consider appropriateness for elite rugby?. A year on the RFU?s trial has passed more successfully than was anticipated after some bungling messaging about lowering the height to the ?waist and below? which caused a mutiny among members of the governing body?s council. Taking it to the elite game would be even more challenging given the already high number of cards for high tackles.
Verdict - 89 For & 189 Against
TV match official
Many people in the game will welcome World Rugby?s proposal to look at the ?optimal remit? for the Television Match Official, via another specialist working group. The Six Nations showed several more examples of how the current system is flawed, from disallowing Sam Skinner?s perfectly good try in the Scotland v France game to TMO Ben Whitehouse intervening with Ben Earl?s no-arms tackle for France v England. Both decisions determined the result of those matches and inspired even more confusion about where the limits of the referee?s authority begins and the TMO?s ends
Verdict - 270 For & 17 Against
.
End caterpillar rucks
Without doubt, ending the dreaded caterpillar rucks will be the most popular measure among supporters. While England?s defeat to France was a largely thrilling affair, home supporters rightly booed the eternity that Alex Mitchell was allowed to direct three forwards to attach themselves to the ruck, allowing him extra space to get his box kick away. Such elaborate set-ups may no longer be possible. Now referees will be encouraged to call ?use it? much earlier, after which the attacking team has five seconds to get the ball away otherwise the defending team will be awarded a scrum.
Verdict - 338 For & 13 Against
Hookers need ?full brake foot?
This is a proposal largely driven by players? associations who have become aware of the dangers of ?axial loading? where the combined power of a scrum, which can be up to 1,000 newtons of force, can centre on a hooker?s neck. To discourage hookers from driving their heads into their opponent?s shoulder on the bind phase, hookers must have one foot set forward during the engagement sequence of setting up a scrum. This seems an easy win as hookers have long complained that the previous system has led to degenerative neck injuries. The brake foot should aim both scrum stability and safety.
Verdict - 304 For & 1 Against
Clampdown on water carriers
Neil Jenkins and Rassie Erasmus, we are looking at you. Once upon a time, water might have been taken on by a medic or physio. Now a battalion of coaches are entering the field of play at every possible to opportunity to both pass on instructions to their team and, more insidiously, to intimidate officials.
The latest example came at the weekend when Jenkins, the Welsh kicking coach, complained to referee Mathieu Raynal about his failure to spot a high tackle. As Warren Gatland said of Erasmus during the 2021 Lions series, ?if you?re the water boy running onto the pitch, you?ve got to make sure you?re carrying water.? Both the practice of coaches passing on instructions and abuse of referees should be eliminated.
Verdict - 320 For & 4 Against
Dupont law
Probably second to the caterpillar ruck in terms of unpopularity, Dupont?s law (or law 10.7b)i) to give its correct title) allows opposing players to be put onside by the a kick receiver either running five metres or passing the ball. This has led frequently to sustained bouts of tedious ?kick tennis?. The most egregious examples came in the Scotland v France Six Nations and in the Premiership game between Bath and Gloucester, where the kicking battle lasted 68 long seconds.
If World Rugby passes a resolution at its council meeting in May then players can only be put onside by a team-mate coming from behind the kicker or the kicker themselves. This seems to have resolved the problem in its trial in Super Rugby Pacific. The vast majority of supporters would welcome this being implemented globally.
Verdict - 299 For & 5 Against
Verdict
The vast majority of World Rugby?s recommendations or investigations propose some well-meaning solutions to some vexed problems. No one would mourn the death of caterpillar rucks or the interminable bouts of kick tennis. At elite level, rugby is an entertainment business and a lot of these proposed changes would seem to make the sport a more attractive proposition. The problem is the law of unintended consequences.
Rugby?s lawbook has become so dense and cluttered in recent years as laws pile upon laws seeking to rectify other laws. A case in point is that the problem of axial loading was a consequence of the ?crouch, bind, set? scrum engagement sequence that World Rugby introduced in 2013 to remove the ?hit? element of the scrum.
Older readers will know how removing rucking introduced a host of other problems, including the crocodile roll that World Rugby are now trying to outlaw. The 20-minute red card may well make rugby a more entertaining sport but will it also encourage teams to revert to a more upright tackling style? And if the scrum option is removed from a free-kick at a scrum will that encourage weaker packs to go to ground?
44
Wasps Rugby Discussion / Re: Rugby?s Radical Plans in The Times
« on: March 19, 2024, 11:11:28 PM »
Also The Telegraph -
World Rugby consider radical plan to broaden game?s popularity
Tackle height change will be just one of the initiatives considered by working group as well as reducing number of replacements
Gavin Mairs, Chief Rugby Union Correspondent 19 March 2024 ? 4:58pm
World Rugby are considering lowering tackle height in the elite game as well as reducing the number of replacements as part of a radical plan to broaden the global appeal of the sport.
The role of the television match official (TMO) will also come under scrutiny by what has been termed ?specialist working groups? as part of the world governing body?s bid to make the game more entertaining.
The move follows World Rugby?s ?shape of the game? forum held at the end of last month designed to make rugby more appealing to new audiences in an increasingly competitive global sports and entertainment market.
Specialist working groups are to be established to further explore aspects identified by the forum, including the examination of the impact of the lowering of the tackle height in community rugby in 2023 to below the base of the sternum and to consider ?appropriateness for elite rugby?. It is recognised, however, that this will not be possible in a closed trial, given the professionals are involved in domestic, cross-border and international stages.
The latest research on the impact of fatigue and the number and timing of replacements in the elite game to determine options ?that might create more space on the field while improving injury rates? will also be examined, with recommendations to be put to the World Rugby council in May.
Global 20-minute red card trial
The overhaul will also include review of the sport?s disciplinary and sanctioning processes with the objective of ?streamlining, increasing simplicity, consistency and fan understanding.?
World Rugby say key consideration will be the potential to combine stronger off-field sanctions for foul play with ?a global red card trial where a carded player is removed for the duration of the match but may be replaced by another player after 20 minutes?.
A review of disciplinary sanctions could also see it move away from its current process-heavy legal system.
Clampdown on caterpillar rucks
The new five-phase approach is designed to explore, adopt and trial the key outcomes centred on speeding the game up, encouraging greater ball-in-play time, reducing stoppages and increasing welfare outcomes.
The first phase, which comes into effect on Tuesday, will result in referees being asked to call for players to use the ball more quickly, from breakdowns, beginning a five-second count to ?use it? earlier as part of a move to eradicate the use of ?caterpillar rucks?.
Hookers will be expected to maintain a ?full brake foot? to aid scrum stability and safety during the engagement sequence, and a clampdown on water carriers speaking to referees and restrictions on their entry to the field of play.
Three more law adjustments will be made to the World Rugby council ahead of its meeting on May 9 to effectively scrap the ?Dupont Law? (that exploited a loop-hole where previously offside attackers are allowed to approach and tackle the ball receiver once he has run forward five metres) to reduce kick tennis, the removal of the scrum option from a free-kick at a scrum and outlawing the ?croc roll?.
?Shot clock? extended to scrums and lineouts
The unions and leagues will also be encouraged to stage closed-law trials including the expansion of the shot clock for scrums and lineouts and reduced kicking time, the ability to mark the ball inside the 22 metre line from a restart, promoting attacking options; ?play on? for lineout not straight if the throw in is uncontested, using the ball from a maul when it is stopped once, not twice, as well as protection of the nine at the base of the scrum, ruck and maul.
World Rugby are to also establish ?rugby labs? to test out new aspects of law in a controlled environment evaluated by data and player feedback, including scrum engagement sequence and the tackle/ruck area.
?Embracing change ? and targeting entertainment first?
Targeting the next generation of supporters will also include a review of the language and terminology that is used within the game, including how it is marketed and presented, to improve the in-stadium experience.
?Change is in rugby?s DNA,? said Bill Beaumont, World Rugby chairman. ?Two hundred years ago we were born from a desire to change, and we are harnessing that same spirit to excite the next generation of fans and players. The moves that we are making are grounded in our commitment to increasing relevance on a global basis and born from a desire to change for the better.
?That means being bold, embracing change by dialling up the entertainment value, making our stars more accessible and simplifying terminology and language used to explain rugby to those who are yet to fall in love with it.
?We have moved quickly. It has taken a special unity and commitment from across the sport to be able to present a package of enhancements to the Council in May. I look forward to the discussions.?
World Rugby consider radical plan to broaden game?s popularity
Tackle height change will be just one of the initiatives considered by working group as well as reducing number of replacements
Gavin Mairs, Chief Rugby Union Correspondent 19 March 2024 ? 4:58pm
World Rugby are considering lowering tackle height in the elite game as well as reducing the number of replacements as part of a radical plan to broaden the global appeal of the sport.
The role of the television match official (TMO) will also come under scrutiny by what has been termed ?specialist working groups? as part of the world governing body?s bid to make the game more entertaining.
The move follows World Rugby?s ?shape of the game? forum held at the end of last month designed to make rugby more appealing to new audiences in an increasingly competitive global sports and entertainment market.
Specialist working groups are to be established to further explore aspects identified by the forum, including the examination of the impact of the lowering of the tackle height in community rugby in 2023 to below the base of the sternum and to consider ?appropriateness for elite rugby?. It is recognised, however, that this will not be possible in a closed trial, given the professionals are involved in domestic, cross-border and international stages.
The latest research on the impact of fatigue and the number and timing of replacements in the elite game to determine options ?that might create more space on the field while improving injury rates? will also be examined, with recommendations to be put to the World Rugby council in May.
Global 20-minute red card trial
The overhaul will also include review of the sport?s disciplinary and sanctioning processes with the objective of ?streamlining, increasing simplicity, consistency and fan understanding.?
World Rugby say key consideration will be the potential to combine stronger off-field sanctions for foul play with ?a global red card trial where a carded player is removed for the duration of the match but may be replaced by another player after 20 minutes?.
A review of disciplinary sanctions could also see it move away from its current process-heavy legal system.
Clampdown on caterpillar rucks
The new five-phase approach is designed to explore, adopt and trial the key outcomes centred on speeding the game up, encouraging greater ball-in-play time, reducing stoppages and increasing welfare outcomes.
The first phase, which comes into effect on Tuesday, will result in referees being asked to call for players to use the ball more quickly, from breakdowns, beginning a five-second count to ?use it? earlier as part of a move to eradicate the use of ?caterpillar rucks?.
Hookers will be expected to maintain a ?full brake foot? to aid scrum stability and safety during the engagement sequence, and a clampdown on water carriers speaking to referees and restrictions on their entry to the field of play.
Three more law adjustments will be made to the World Rugby council ahead of its meeting on May 9 to effectively scrap the ?Dupont Law? (that exploited a loop-hole where previously offside attackers are allowed to approach and tackle the ball receiver once he has run forward five metres) to reduce kick tennis, the removal of the scrum option from a free-kick at a scrum and outlawing the ?croc roll?.
?Shot clock? extended to scrums and lineouts
The unions and leagues will also be encouraged to stage closed-law trials including the expansion of the shot clock for scrums and lineouts and reduced kicking time, the ability to mark the ball inside the 22 metre line from a restart, promoting attacking options; ?play on? for lineout not straight if the throw in is uncontested, using the ball from a maul when it is stopped once, not twice, as well as protection of the nine at the base of the scrum, ruck and maul.
World Rugby are to also establish ?rugby labs? to test out new aspects of law in a controlled environment evaluated by data and player feedback, including scrum engagement sequence and the tackle/ruck area.
?Embracing change ? and targeting entertainment first?
Targeting the next generation of supporters will also include a review of the language and terminology that is used within the game, including how it is marketed and presented, to improve the in-stadium experience.
?Change is in rugby?s DNA,? said Bill Beaumont, World Rugby chairman. ?Two hundred years ago we were born from a desire to change, and we are harnessing that same spirit to excite the next generation of fans and players. The moves that we are making are grounded in our commitment to increasing relevance on a global basis and born from a desire to change for the better.
?That means being bold, embracing change by dialling up the entertainment value, making our stars more accessible and simplifying terminology and language used to explain rugby to those who are yet to fall in love with it.
?We have moved quickly. It has taken a special unity and commitment from across the sport to be able to present a package of enhancements to the Council in May. I look forward to the discussions.?
45
Wasps Rugby Discussion / Re: Rugby?s Radical Plans in The Times
« on: March 19, 2024, 11:08:57 PM »
Also in The Guardian -
World Rugby reveals radical plans to speed up sport and broaden its appeal
Reducing tackle height in the elite game among measures
Global trial of the 20-minute red card set to be introduced
Gerard Meagher
Tue 19 Mar 2024 15.52 GMT
Last modified on Tue 19 Mar 2024 21.20 GMT
World Rugby is considering reducing the tackle height in the elite game and a global trial of the 20‑minute red card as part of a radical plan to broaden the appeal of the sport.
The governing body will also examine the possibility of reducing the number of replacements and reassess use of the television match official as it seeks to speed up the game and improve it as a spectacle.
The plan ? set to be delivered in five stages ? comes on the back of World Rugby?s Shape of the Game forum last month, designed to make the game more entertaining. More immediate changes include ?cracking down on the use of water carriers and encouraging referees to call ?use it? and ensure scrum-halves play the ball more quickly from rucks, but it is World Rugby?s longer-term proposals that could have a significant impact on the game.
A specialist working group will be established to assess the results of the community tackle height trials across 11 unions and ?consider appropriateness for elite rugby?. When the Rugby Football Union first announced the lowering of the tackle height in early 2023 there was uproar amid mixed messages as to just how far the threshold would be lowered. The trial has passed off far more successfully than its introduction but bringing it to the elite level would be a seismic change.
The introduction of a global trial of 20-minute red cards ? where the player who is sent off is not allowed to return to the field but is replaced after 20 minutes ? will be voted on at World Rugby?s council meeting in May as part of a comprehensive review of disciplinary and sanc?tioning processes.
It has proved popular in the southern hemisphere and would avoid matches being ruined as a spectacle by debatable red cards such as that shown to Freddie Steward in England?s defeat by Ireland last year. Opponents of the measure fear that introducing more lenient sanctions amid the ongoing head injury litigation sends the wrong message.
Another working group will be tasked with looking at research into the impact of fatigue and the number and timing of replacements in the elite game ?to determine options that might create more space on the field while improving injury rates?. Eddie Jones is among the senior ?figures within the game in favour of the reduction of replacements and more significantly, so too is the World Rugby chairman, Bill Beaumont.
World Rugby also wants to ?overhaul the TMO protocol which has come under widespread criticism for bringing too many lengthy stoppages to the game. Even as recently as last Saturday there were questions raised about the decision of the TMO to intervene and bring Ben Earl?s no‑arms tackle to the referee?s attention ? a penalty from which France ultimately scored the winning points against England.
World Rugby also wants to look at ?setting new minimum standards for technology providers? amid a number of complaints that replays have not been available or shown during the Six Nations. A major review of the breakdown, in terms of safety and improving the spectacle for viewers, will also be conducted by a working group.
From Tuesday, as part of the first phase of the plan, players will be expected to use the ball more quickly when the ball has been secured at a ruck/breakdown. In effect, it is an attempt to bring to an end the dreaded caterpillar ruck. Hookers will also be expected to maintain a full brake foot to aid scrum stability and safety during the engagement sequence while there will be a move to limit the number of times water carriers enter the field of play.
World Rugby has also recommended a number of law changes to be approved in May, ?including the closing of a loophole ? known as ?Dupont?s Law? ? which aims to ?reduce kick tennis?. The current rele?vant law states that players in front of the kicker are adjudged onside once the kick receiver has passed the ball or moved five metres with it. France?s Antoine Dupont has exploited it in the past but doing so leads to lengthy kicking battles. Removing the scrum option from a free-kick at a scrum and outlawing the ?croc roll? are also among the amendments to be recommended.
Unions and competition owners will be encouraged to implement a series of closed law trials including using a shot clock for scrums and lineouts, marking the ball inside the 22m line from a restart, ?insisting the ball must be played after a maul has been stopped once, rather than twice, greater protection for the scrum‑half and allowing the referee to play on if a lineout is not straight if it was not contested.
?The moves that we are making are grounded in our commitment to increasing relevance on a global basis and born from a desire to change for the better,? Beaumont said. ?That means being bold, ?embracing change by dialing up the entertainment value, making our stars more accessible and simplifying terminology and language used to explain rugby to those who are yet to fall in love with it. We have moved quickly.
?It has taken a special unity and commitment from across the sport to be able to present a package of enhancements to the council in May. I look forward to the discussions.?
World Rugby reveals radical plans to speed up sport and broaden its appeal
Reducing tackle height in the elite game among measures
Global trial of the 20-minute red card set to be introduced
Gerard Meagher
Tue 19 Mar 2024 15.52 GMT
Last modified on Tue 19 Mar 2024 21.20 GMT
World Rugby is considering reducing the tackle height in the elite game and a global trial of the 20‑minute red card as part of a radical plan to broaden the appeal of the sport.
The governing body will also examine the possibility of reducing the number of replacements and reassess use of the television match official as it seeks to speed up the game and improve it as a spectacle.
The plan ? set to be delivered in five stages ? comes on the back of World Rugby?s Shape of the Game forum last month, designed to make the game more entertaining. More immediate changes include ?cracking down on the use of water carriers and encouraging referees to call ?use it? and ensure scrum-halves play the ball more quickly from rucks, but it is World Rugby?s longer-term proposals that could have a significant impact on the game.
A specialist working group will be established to assess the results of the community tackle height trials across 11 unions and ?consider appropriateness for elite rugby?. When the Rugby Football Union first announced the lowering of the tackle height in early 2023 there was uproar amid mixed messages as to just how far the threshold would be lowered. The trial has passed off far more successfully than its introduction but bringing it to the elite level would be a seismic change.
The introduction of a global trial of 20-minute red cards ? where the player who is sent off is not allowed to return to the field but is replaced after 20 minutes ? will be voted on at World Rugby?s council meeting in May as part of a comprehensive review of disciplinary and sanc?tioning processes.
It has proved popular in the southern hemisphere and would avoid matches being ruined as a spectacle by debatable red cards such as that shown to Freddie Steward in England?s defeat by Ireland last year. Opponents of the measure fear that introducing more lenient sanctions amid the ongoing head injury litigation sends the wrong message.
Another working group will be tasked with looking at research into the impact of fatigue and the number and timing of replacements in the elite game ?to determine options that might create more space on the field while improving injury rates?. Eddie Jones is among the senior ?figures within the game in favour of the reduction of replacements and more significantly, so too is the World Rugby chairman, Bill Beaumont.
World Rugby also wants to ?overhaul the TMO protocol which has come under widespread criticism for bringing too many lengthy stoppages to the game. Even as recently as last Saturday there were questions raised about the decision of the TMO to intervene and bring Ben Earl?s no‑arms tackle to the referee?s attention ? a penalty from which France ultimately scored the winning points against England.
World Rugby also wants to look at ?setting new minimum standards for technology providers? amid a number of complaints that replays have not been available or shown during the Six Nations. A major review of the breakdown, in terms of safety and improving the spectacle for viewers, will also be conducted by a working group.
From Tuesday, as part of the first phase of the plan, players will be expected to use the ball more quickly when the ball has been secured at a ruck/breakdown. In effect, it is an attempt to bring to an end the dreaded caterpillar ruck. Hookers will also be expected to maintain a full brake foot to aid scrum stability and safety during the engagement sequence while there will be a move to limit the number of times water carriers enter the field of play.
World Rugby has also recommended a number of law changes to be approved in May, ?including the closing of a loophole ? known as ?Dupont?s Law? ? which aims to ?reduce kick tennis?. The current rele?vant law states that players in front of the kicker are adjudged onside once the kick receiver has passed the ball or moved five metres with it. France?s Antoine Dupont has exploited it in the past but doing so leads to lengthy kicking battles. Removing the scrum option from a free-kick at a scrum and outlawing the ?croc roll? are also among the amendments to be recommended.
Unions and competition owners will be encouraged to implement a series of closed law trials including using a shot clock for scrums and lineouts, marking the ball inside the 22m line from a restart, ?insisting the ball must be played after a maul has been stopped once, rather than twice, greater protection for the scrum‑half and allowing the referee to play on if a lineout is not straight if it was not contested.
?The moves that we are making are grounded in our commitment to increasing relevance on a global basis and born from a desire to change for the better,? Beaumont said. ?That means being bold, ?embracing change by dialing up the entertainment value, making our stars more accessible and simplifying terminology and language used to explain rugby to those who are yet to fall in love with it. We have moved quickly.
?It has taken a special unity and commitment from across the sport to be able to present a package of enhancements to the council in May. I look forward to the discussions.?