A huge Six Nations change has sparked backlash from fans and pundits

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The governing body confirmed the trial on Tuesday, part of a series of proposals aimed at "enhancing both the fan and player experience." Notably, this new rule is set to feature in next year's Six Nations tournament.

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While some of the proposed changes, such as reducing the time allowed for conversions and streamlining scrums and lineouts, have garnered positive feedback, the 20-minute red card law has been met with widespread criticism from fans, players, and former referees.

Under this new rule, a team would be reduced to 14 players for just 20 minutes, after which the sent-off player could be replaced. Advocates argue that the intent is to penalize the individual offender without unduly punishing the team. However, many in the rugby community believe this approach could undermine the integrity of the game.

Former test referee Nigel Owens expressed his disapproval of the proposed change in a r

ecent column for WalesOnline

, emphasising that the 20-minute red card will not effectively address issues related to foul play.

“As far as the 20-minute red card idea is concerned, I’m not a fan,” Owens stated. “If someone on the pitch has committed a red card offence, they should be given a red card that sees them sin-binned for the rest of the game. Simple as that.”

Progressive Rugby, an organization focused on making head contact less prevalent in the sport, also condemned the proposal. They previously criticized SANZAAR for trialing similar rules during this year's Rugby Championship.

Their statement was clear: “Staggeringly bad look from SANZAAR in light of recent litigation; firmly prioritises spectacle over player welfare; two fingers up at World Rugby; removes incentive to address behaviours and tackle technique. Deeply disappointing.”

Despite the backlash, history suggests that World Rugby may proceed with the trial regardless of public sentiment. Critics fear that the governing body will continue to enforce laws under the pretext of fulfilling fan demands, even amidst widespread dissatisfaction.

As the sport evolves, the question remains: will rugby continue to adapt its rules at the expense of its core values?

From high-profile marriages to lucrative endorsements and television appearances, these rugby stars have built financial empires.

Here’s a look at three couples who have combined their sporting legacies with fame and fortune, amassing millions along the way.

Mike Tindall is known not just for his rugby prowess but for his royal connections. As the husband of Zara Phillips, the granddaughter of Queen Elizabeth II, Tindall has become a prominent figure in British media.

Nicknamed “The Fridge” due to his imposing physique, Tindall was a stalwart on the rugby field, famously breaking his nose at least eight times over the course of his career. Since retiring from the sport, he’s made a name for himself in the entertainment world, appearing on popular reality shows such as I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here, Bear Grylls: Mission Survive, The Jump, Shark Cage, Celebrity Poker Club, and All-Star Poker Challenge

Despite his success in sports and entertainment, Tindall’s wealth has been largely bolstered by his royal ties, with his net worth estimated at £20 million, according to British media.

Jonny Wilkinson is a legendary figure in English rugby, with a career spanning 12 seasons at Newcastle Falcons before his move to French club Toulon in 2009. Wilkinson cemented his place in history by leading England to victory in the 2003 Rugby World Cup, becoming a national hero in the process.

In his personal life, Wilkinson has kept a lower profile. He married his long-time girlfriend, Shelley Jenkins, in a private ceremony on the French Riviera in October 2013. The couple now has a son, reportedly named James, and maintain a relatively private family life. Wilkinson's net worth stands at £22 million, making him one of rugby's wealthiest figures.

Sonny Bill Williams is a sporting icon from New Zealand, famed not only for his rugby achievements but also for his ventures into boxing. Known for his versatility, Williams has excelled in both rugby union and rugby league, playing as a centre and second-rower, respectively. Additionally, his brief yet successful stint in professional boxing saw him win nine out of 10 heavyweight bouts.

In 2013, Williams married Alana Raffie after a whirlwind four-week romance, following Islamic traditions despite admitting that they were not in love at the time. Their union has since become one of the most talked-about in sports. With a combination of earnings from rugby, boxing, and endorsements, the couple's net worth is reported to be around £20 million.