World Rugby have introduced several 'interesting' law changes for the forthcoming season which may be of interest to anyone trying to understand the laws of the game.

A summary of the changes:-

• A 50:22 law similar to the Rugby League 40:20 law – if the ball is kicked from Team A’s own half and bounces into touch in the opposition’s 22, Team A will get the throw-in to the lineout.
• Introduction of a new goal line drop out by the defending team when (a) an attacking player is held up in-goal (replaces attacking scrum), or (b) an attacking player knocks on in-goal (replaces defending scrum), or (c) a defending player grounds the ball after it has been kicked into in-goal by an attacker (replaces 22m drop-out).
• Restrictions on latching, with multiple pre-contact latching to be banned and, although it will remain legal for a single support player to pre-bind on a ball-carrying team-mate, that single latched support player must observe all laws relevant to the first player arriving at the breakdown – ie must stay on their feet rather than going to ground as the ball carrier is tackled.
• Changes to the law at the breakdown to protect the “jackler” (new definition) and in particular to outlaw certain dangerous clearouts.
• It is, however, still illegal for the scrum-half to feed the scrums.

Fuller detail and attempted clarification can be found by downloading the file at the foot of this page.

World Rugby have also published some detail with supportive videos at https://www.world.rugby/the-game/laws/global-law-trials.