World Rugby announces new global trials as controversial red card law faces uncertain future

World Rugby have announced that four new law trials will be adopted globally at the start of next year in a bid to further speed up the game and "enhance fan and player experience".

The trials, which will be adopted across all competitions starting after January 1, include a 60-second conversion limit which will be managed by a shot clock as is currently the case for penalties. A 30-second setup time for lineouts - managed by the on-field referee - will also be introduced in a bid to reduce downtime at set pieces, with scrums already subject to the same time limit.

The other trials include a play-on rule in uncontested lineouts when the throw is not straight and greater protection for scrum-halves during scrums, rucks and mauls.

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In an update, World Rugby also said that TMO protocol was also approved as a global trial, with those officials having additional power to identify clear and obvious infringements in the final attacking passage of play before a try is scored, as is currently operational in the Autumn Nations series.

There had been proposals for other trials to be adopted globally, including single stop mauls and calling a mark inside the 22-metre line at kick off and restarts. However, they will not proceed any further after failing to receive the required 75 per cent support to be introduced around the world.

Significantly, the global governing body has also delayed consideration of the controversial 20-minute red card trial until the end of the ongoing autumn internationals campaign "to enable further feedback and full data analysis to be considered."

The trial, which sees red carded players sin-binned for 20 minutes rather than permanently, has proved divisive with Fiji's Semi Radrada becoming the first player to be sent off under the measure in the Autumn Series against Wales.

On the new trials, a World Rugby statement read: "Global adoption of these new law trials marks a major milestone towards World Rugby’s purpose of stimulating global growth via increasing accessibility and relevance among younger fans, ensuring rugby is placed to thrive over the next decade towards US Rugby World Cups.

"During respective closed trials in the World Rugby U20 Championship and Trophy, WXV, Pacific Nations Cup, Rugby Championship and Autumn Nations Series, the laws, had a positive impact on the style, flow and entertainment value of the sport, decreasing stoppages, increasing ball in play, and promoting quick ball, while maintaining a contest."