sport news World Rugby propose RADICAL new rule changes in an attempt to improve the ... trends now

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World Rugby – the game’s governing body – is considering bringing in a global trial of a 20-minute red card as part of a number of law changes designed to improve its appeal.

Earlier this month, rugby’s stakeholders held a conference to discuss and propose numerous ideas in which the sport could be bettered both on and off the field.

Among the options put forward were bringing in a shot clock to speed up scrums and line-outs, the banning of the dangerous ‘crocodile roll’ tackle, and tinkering with the offside ruling.

But the most eye catching is the 20-minute red card. Under rugby’s current rules, if a player is sent off they must leave the field immediately and for the duration of the rest of the game.

Under a new idea put forward, a player who receives a red card would have to depart the pitch for 20 minutes, leaving their team with a numerical disadvantage.