Reducing tackle height in the elite game among measuresWorld 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 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 sanctioning processes. 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.