After World Rugby announced that it would propose a global trial of the new law to be considered by the committee, the French Rugby Federation (FFR), National Rugby League (LNR) and Provale (French Rugby Players’ Federation) expressed strong opposition to the bill. . 20 minute red card trial.
FFR, LNR and Provalle strongly oppose the implementation of the 20-minute red card law as a global trial.
In particular, we call on World Rugby to rely on hard evidence before making changes to significant sanctions.
About the impact on player safety.
We cannot consider trialling this law in four competitions where insufficient data has actually been collected.
A compelling reason for improvement or a basis for global testing.
For example, only three red cards were issued at the U20 Junior World Championships, which does not allow for clear conclusions to be drawn about implementing this into global trials.
Impact on the game
Some believe the law will promote fairer play through red cards, but statistics provided by FFRto World Rugby show that red cards do not systematically mean defeat for the offending team.
In fact, according to analysis based on 480 TOP 14 and Tier 1 international matches:
60% of teams penalized with a red card ended up losing the game.
Protecting the safety and values of rugby
For FFR, LNR and Provale, red cards are an important tool to prevent and protect against unsportsmanlike behaviour.
The physical integrity of the player.
Reducing this sanction to some form of temporary expulsion could encourage risky behavior, which could jeopardize player safety, which must remain a top priority.
French professional clubs and the French national team staff emphasize the need to remain steadfast.
Admission to foul play.
The Red Card as a collective sanction aims to maintain fairness and balance, and reducing the Red Card to an individual sanction would undermine this essential role.
Moreover, the law represents an unacceptable retreat from the measures implemented.
Over the past few years, head contact has been reduced and players are encouraged to perform better.
Technical control in contact situations.
Impact on Image
Rugby has millions of fans around the world. Implementation of this law could encourage:
play more aggressively, create controversy related to tactical use of the law, or negatively
It had an impact on the image of rugby.
Finally, on this basis, FFR will vote against implementing this law as a global trial.
At the World Rugby Council meeting, 14 November 2024.
Jean-Marc Lhermet, FFR Vice President for Senior Rugby and Match Officials, said:
Cards are an essential tool to prevent dangerous behavior on site and ensure our safety.
player.
“Reducing this sanction to a 20-minute temporary expulsion will undermine our ability to do so.
Protecting the physical integrity of players and maintaining fairness are fundamental rugby values.
“We call on World Rugby to reconsider this trial and ensure that all decisions are based on robust, conclusive data that has been appropriately shared in advance with all relevant stakeholders. This is not currently the case.”
Read more: Manu Tuilagi represents Bayonne
