Australia's provincial competition set to trial two radical law changes

Rugby Australia will trial two law variations for World Rugby in this year’s National Rugby Championship with law 21 amended and an introduction of a 50:22 kicking play. 

 

Law 21 will change to see the defending team be rewarded for good defence with a goal line drop out when the ball is held up in the in-goal area.

 

 

 

A 50:22 will reward a team that kicks the ball indirectly from open play or a free-kick from within their own half and the ball reaches the touchline inside their opponents’ 22 or the ball reaches the touchline inside their opponent’s half. 

 

 

The attacking team will then have the lineout throw, rewarding aggressive territorial kicking with defending backs having to cover the option of a 50:22 kick.  
 

 

 

Rugby Australia Chief Executive Raelene Castle said: “The NRC continues to be an important competition for the development of our elite Rugby talent and is also a showcase of the best Club Rugby players in Australia. 

 

 

“The competition will once again be played at suburban and regional venues across the country, giving communities and fans access to more quality Rugby at the conclusion of their club seasons.

 

 

“The Fijian Drua will again create massive fan interest for the way they play the game as they look to defend their crown, but every team has made moves to strengthen their programs ahead of the 2019 season and we are looking forward to the most competitive NRC season we’ve seen.

 

“As the excitement builds around the globe for the Rugby World Cup, the NRC will give fans their footy fix here at home while the Qantas Wallabies battle it out in Japan."