Three law changes we'd like to see for the 2024 Six Nations

Rugby News
Saturday, 02 December 2023 at 08:37
six nations
After engaging in thoughtful discussions with a few rugby experts, we've made a bold move to propose three potential game-changing alterations that could positively impact the sport without compromising its integrity or inviting any form of misconduct.
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#1. Marking outside the 22

In the annals of the game, the fair catch rule, tracing its origins back to the very genesis of written laws in 1846, holds a storied legacy. Once a pivotal element, it has gradually receded into the shadows, its significance occasionally diminished.
In the bygone era, a mark could be asserted from any kick on the field. Gradually, restrictions crept in; certain kicks were exempt, confined only within your own 22 meters. Further modifications emerged, demanding the ball be propelled into your 22 by the opponents, untouched by your own side.
This evolution birthed the infamous box kick, a beloved tactic among scrum-halves, sometimes favoured over passing to the fly-half.
The essence of this change lies in discouraging excessive kicking, a move aimed at reshaping the very fabric of the game.
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#2. Goodbye to the Caterpillar RUCK

The next step on our agenda is to eliminate the problematic "caterpillar ruck" entirely. It has proven to be quite cumbersome and counterproductive.
Our aim is to empower referees to penalize scrum-halves who fail to utilize the ball promptly upon hearing the "Use it" command. Additionally, we propose abolishing the rule that rewards the defense with possession if they manage to hold up a player and establish a maul during the tackle.
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#3. Penalty advantage limited

We propose implementing a defined limit for penalty advantage, perhaps ranging from three to five rucks. We strongly dislike the current scenario where the attacking team can maintain possession indefinitely within the 22-meter area under the advantage rule, which disrupts the flow of the game and diminishes its momentum.
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Referee, Sara Cox awards a penalty try during the Pre Season Match between Bristol Bears and Exeter Chiefs at Ashton Gate on 1 September 2023. Photo: Tom Sandberg/PPAUK

Quiz: Can you all of the Guinness Six Nations winning captains?

In the storied history of Rugby's Greatest Championship, exceptional leaders have emerged—warriors of various forms, be they agile half-backs, towering second rows, or fearless flankers.
Our latest quiz invites you to identify those who have captained their nations to Guinness Six Nations glory. It's worth noting that in certain instances, there may be multiple captains from the same year due to factors such as injuries and rotation.
Surnames only will be accepted.
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