Paris (AFP)
Change in the law 8.2. With immediate effect, it is no longer possible to register a test by flattening the ball against the protection around a post, World Rugby announced on Tuesday.
"This minor amendment to Law 8 was approved by the World Rugby board during a videoconference meeting," the governing body said in a statement.
Until now, according to paragraph 2 of Law 8, a try could be scored when a player flattens in the opposing in-goal against a goal post or the protection around an opposing goal post.
"As defenders are currently legally obliged to stay behind the end line, the shape and size of the protective posts increasing for security reasons, it is becoming increasingly difficult for teams to legally defend this area. In some extreme cases, the post protections have been lifted, or even removed, by the defending teams, leaving the posts exposed and increasing the risk of injury, "the statement added.
"It is World Rugby's mission to make the game easier, safer and more enjoyable," said World Rugby President Bill Beaumont.
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