New rugby trial hailed as fans and ex-pros all say the same thing

A new rugby ruling has proven to be very popular amongst fans.

Ahead of the autumn internationals, it was announced that a series of new rulings would be trialled in the end-of-year Tests.

One of these rulings involves match officials explaining their decisions to fans via microphone, benefitting both those in the stadium and those watching from home.

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It was seen in practice during the England v All Blacks game at the Allianz Stadium yesterday, with referee Angus Gardner's explanation over New Zealand's disallowed try cheered loudly by the crowd.

The reaction to this ruling has been very positive on social media, with both rugby fans and former rugby stars supporting it.

Taking to X, formerly Twitter, former Scotland star Jim Hamilton wrote: "The referees mic over the stadium is awesome. Five years too late but, it’s here."

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Former Northampton Saints star Christian Day wrote: "LOVED the in-stadium ref mic."

Former Exeter Chiefs fly-half Will Hooley wrote: "Better late than never…NFL-style ref mic being used in stadium. Adds so much more drama and atmosphere to a TMO."

The Telegraph rugby writer Will Kelleher said: "How good to get the ref mic in the stands. Decisions fully explained to those in stands, and a moment of drama, cheered loudly when the right call was made. Well done everyone!"

One fan wrote: "Rugby has now mic’d the ref to the entire stadium when they go to TMO. It’s absolutely brilliant. Whole stadium going nuts! Everyone knows why the on field decision is made, what the ref wants to look at and the right decision within 60 seconds (with the crowd fully involved)."

One football fan wrote: "Rugby union showing how to use VAR (TMO) and having the ref mic’d up for the crowd is a brilliant idea."

Another wrote: "Ref mic brilliant there, brought pantomime to it. Absolutely fantastic."

Fans were writing on X during England's 24-22 loss against New Zealand, as well as Scotland's emphatic 57-17 victory over Fiji on the opening weekend of the Autumn Nations Series.

As well as the introduction of the referee microphone, World Rugby have also been trialling the use of the 20-minute red card, as well as shorter shot clocks for players to take kicks (60 seconds). Teams also have 30 seconds to set their scrum after the referee has blown his whistle, and lineouts must be thrown within 30 seconds.