‘An important tool that prevents unsporting behaviour’: French officials unite with players to reject red card rule change

French officials are joining players in protesting plans by World Rugby to change its rules with the introduction of 20-minute red cards, saying it poses a health risk.

The sport’s governing body said last week that the possibility of replacing a red-carded player with a teammate after 20 minutes was moving closer to global adoption following “successful trials”.

However, the sent off player will not be able to return for the remainder of the match.

The proposed new law is part of a package of changes “designed to enhance the viewing and playing experience”, World Rugby said.

In a joint statement, the French Rugby Federation (FFR), the league (LNR) and players’ union Provail disagreed.

Ahead of next month’s World Rugby Council meeting, he said he was strongly opposed to the adoption of the rule and called on the sport’s governing body to “consider, particularly in relation to the impact on the player, such “Substantial restrictions must be based on evidence before being revised.” Security.

“For the FFR, LNR and Provel, the red card is an important tool that prevents unsporting behavior and protects the physical integrity of players,” he said.

“Converting this sanction to a temporary expulsion could encourage dangerous behavior, thereby compromising player safety, which must remain the absolute priority.”

Noting that only three red cards were issued at the U20 World Championships, he said the rule change would be tested in four competitions “where insufficient data has been collected as an opportunity for improvement before considering worldwide implementation.” “Can’t be considered as a solid reason.”

Stade Toulousain’s Richie Arnold leaves the field after being shown a red card during the Champions Cup final. (Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images)

The innovation was introduced by New Zealand in Super Rugby in 2020 to try and manage foul play without impacting the integrity of a match. It has also been tested in the Rugby Championship.

The FFR, LNR and Prowell challenged the idea that the new rule would encourage more fluid play.

He said, “The data provided to World Rugby by the FFR shows that a red card is not synonymous with defeat for a systematically penalized team.”

“In fact, an analysis based on 480 Top 14 matches and international matches in Tier 1 shows that only 60 percent of teams shown red cards lost matches.”

The FFR, LNR and Prowell also expressed concerns that the introduction of 20-minute red cards could damage rugby’s image as it could encourage more aggressive play.

© AAP