Six Nations introduce new laws as 20-minute red cards to be used for first time
Tournament organisers have revealed that 20-minute red cards will be implemented for the first time in this year's men’s, women’s and U20s Six Nations competitions.
The trial was in place for the autumn internationals - with Fiji centre Semi Radradra the first player to receive the punishment in a northern hemisphere Test during their win over Wales in Cardiff.
Once the 20 minutes are up, the player who was shown the red card must remain off the field, but his team can bring on a replacement. A permanent red card will still be shown to players guilty of deliberate and dangerous acts of foul play.
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If a player receives two yellow cards, they will be given a 20-minute red card. The bunker review system, where a second television match official can decide what colour card a player should receive, remains in place.
The 20-minute red card is one of several law trials and innovations that will feature in all three of this year's Six Nations tournaments.
As was the case in the autumn, referees will go ‘on mic’ to explain key decisions in decisive moments within a game for the benefit of those within the stadium.
This year's men's Six Nations will also see ‘Touchfinder’ introduced, which is an evolution of the Smart Ball technology. It is intended to support referees by identifying exactly where the ball crossed the touchline when kicked into touch.
The television match official protocol has been revised, with the TMO having additional power to identify clear and obvious infringements immediately prior to scoring.
Two new global laws will also be introduced to encourage speed of play. 'Protecting the nine' will enable cleaner play from breakdowns and scrums, while uncontested lineouts that aren't straight will be allowed to play on.
Instrumented Mouthguards will continue to be used in both the men's and women's Six Nations tournaments, and for the first time, they will also be implemented in the under-20s tournament.
These mouthguards, equipped with sensors, monitor the frequency and intensity of head acceleration during training and matches, forming part of the HIA process. Sign up to Inside Welsh rugby on Substack to get exclusive news stories and insight from behind the scenes in Welsh rugby.
“Across the game, everyone is working together to ensure we are exploring new and innovative ways to make the game as safe as possible, alongside ambitions to enhance the spectacle for fans, and the experience for players," said Julie Paterson, chief of rugby at Six Nations Rugby.
“The Autumn Nations Series was a great case study for the progress that is being made, and it is going to be incredibly exciting to see this continue and evolve through the Six Nations championships.
“The law trials and innovations being introduced are intended to enhance the experience for fans, but they are also there to clarify areas of the game for teams, coaches and players, while supporting match officials, with a spotlight the vital role they play at the centre of our sport.
“New technology like ‘Touch Finder’ is testament to this, as is the option to go ‘on mic’ as they offer insight that benefits match officials and the fans and the teams involved.
“To continue the momentum created in the Autumn Nations Series 2024, across each of the 2025 Six Nations championships allows us to ensure we are consistent in our approach and ambition to drive standards in all areas, across the elite men’s and women’s game together with development competitions.”
