World Rugby makes another amendment to game’s laws

World Rugby has announced an amendment to the law governing grounding the ball against the post protector.

Previously, the post was seen as an extension of the tryline. This meant that when an attacking player touches the ball against the protector, the referee would award a try.

Minor change to the laws of rugby 

However, Law 8.2 (a) has now been amended, meaning that the player would have to ground the ball on the opponent’s in-goal area.

“A try is scored when the attacking player is first to ground the ball in the opponents’ in-goal,” a statement issued out by World Rugby reads.

The governing body’s chairman, Sir Bill Beaumont says the law amendment was made with safety, among other things, in mind.

“World Rugby’s mission is to make the game as simple, safe and enjoyable to play as possible. This law amendment reflects that mission.

“By stipulating that an attacking team can no longer score against the post protector and therefore must ground the ball in-goal, this gives defending teams a fair chance of preventing a try from being scored.”

Sir Bill Beaumont

An ever-changing game 

A 2020 version of the game’s laws was issued out earlier in the year, without the latest addition to the rules.

The new edition is available in 11 languages spoken around the world, including Afrikaans.

“The Laws of the Game is an essential resource for everyone involved in the game, not just match officials,” Beaumont said.

“The 2020 edition features lots of supportive video content and illustrations that bring the laws to life and will aid the rugby community to reset, refresh their knowledge and be ready for rugby’s restart after the pandemic.”

Sir Bill Beaumont

Meanwhile, the production of the 2019 Rugby World Cup is up for a prestigious award after being nominated in the “Outstanding Production Achievement” – Event’ category at the SVG Europe TV Awards.