The revised process will be implemented through a programme of closed trials in World Rugby's 15s competitions in 2024, with unions and competition owners also able to apply to take part in the trial, with the aim of promoting consistency in outcomes and fan understanding by simplifying what can be a complex disciplinary environment. The results of the trials will be considered by World Rugby's Executive Board and Council in November.

The closed trial, mandated by the International Federation's Executive Board, follows a strong call from the Shape of the Game Forum held in February to review disciplinary processes through the prism of spectator engagement while reducing administrative burdens. Clearly defined automatic bans will be applied to red cards for foul play, promoting consistency in outcomes that are easier to understand without compromising player welfare: 

-Foul Play: Automatic two weeks - where a player has attempted to interfere with a legal rugby action and/or has committed a reckless act, but has made minor errors such as in technique or timing. 

-Aggravated Foul Play: Automatic four weeks - where a player has committed a highly reckless act and/or an illegal rugby act (tucked arm, no attempt to wrap, driving tackle. 

A Sanctions Committee consisting of members with rugby experience will calibrate all red card sanctions from a round/weekend of matches. No mitigation will be applied in the automatic sanction scenarios, creating an environment of consistency, while making the process easier for players and fans to understand. 

Based on the application of the new framework to date, it is expected that approximately 70 per cent of infringements (red cards issued to date in 2024) will be dealt with through automatic sanctioning. However, recognising that some cases may be more serious or complex, there is still the option of convening a committee to determine the final sanction: 

-Committee Hearing to Determine Sanction - this will be used in situations where the facts or intent are not immediately apparent and/or require clarification, where additional information or further evidence is required, where the matter is complex and/or serious, where an offence has been committed for which a four week suspension may be considered too lenient, insufficient or inappropriate. 

-The Closed Trials, which will operate at the WXV, the Pacific Nations Cup, World Rugby U20 Championship and U20 Trophy this year, will also include the ability for a red carded player to be replaced by another player after 20 minutes. Coupled with automatic sanctions, this will allow the individual, rather than the game, to be severely punished to maintain competition. 

The 20-minute red card was approved following a review of feedback and data from ongoing studies, which show that the tackle culture in the sport is changing, with an overall reduction in red cards and a stabilisation in concussion rates. In 2023-24, there was a 37 per cent reduction in 'Tackle School' applications - those attending course to reduce a sanction following a sanction - compared to 2022-23, while less than six per cent of players worldwide re-offended. 

With a remit to develop a process that supports rugby's mission to grow spectator numbers without compromising player welfare, the trials will be subject to detailed review and evaluation through the prism of welfare and game experience. The findings will be presented to World Rugby's Executive Board and Council for consideration in November.

World Rugby Chairman Bill Beaumont said, "This streamlined off-field sanctioning process has been designed by the game, for the game and is a direct result of clear feedback from the Shape of the Game conference that rugby's current disciplinary process needed to be streamlined to make it easier for players and fans to understand, while maintaining the imperatives of welfare and the integrity of the game.

"This is a process and it is important to remember that the ability to replace a red carded player after 20 minutes is coupled with sanctions that are strong, clear and not watered down. This promotes consistency and agility by making the disciplinary process less influenced by lawyers. We look forward to seeing the results, including feedback from the game.

Key principles: 

-The on-field process remains the same: Referees can still give a straight red card and the 'bunker' can be used for matters that meet the yellow card threshold, reflecting a commitment to ensuring the right outcome and deterring foul play. 

-A red card is still a red card: This means that after 20 minutes, the offending team can replace the red carded player with one of their available substitutes, leading to more danger and a better contest on the day. The punishment is focused on the offending player, not the game. 

-Bans will mean what they say: Players sent off for dangerous foul play will receive a longer ban through an automatic sanctioning process (no hearing). There will be no reduction in punishment without appeal. 

-Welfare remains non-negotiable: While tackle technique has changed significantly, the off-field sanction process will continue to act as a strong deterrent to players, while education on tackle technique as a performance enabler will be strengthened.